tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24549916386363869092024-03-13T11:49:45.525-07:00M Travels LondonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-15080678107784934642015-09-13T13:52:00.000-07:002015-09-13T13:56:14.386-07:00100,000 White Balloons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you live in London or are travelling here, be sure to catch the <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Heartbeat"</span></b> exhibition!</div>
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According to the <b><a href="http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/and-away-covent-garden%E2%80%99s-new-art-installation" target="_blank">official website</a>,</b> this is the first exhibition outside of France by the French artist Charl<span style="font-family: inherit;">es <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9px;">Pétillon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.9px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's located at the heart of the Covent Garden's Market Building.</span></span></div>
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Getting around Covent Garden is one of the most difficult task.</div>
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Endless tourists, locals and hybrids of the two (like me) always crowd up the area because of the many stores and the beautiful Market Building.</div>
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Before I go any further, a selfie.</div>
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"Heartbeat" is made up of 100,000 white balloons and the inspiration behind it is definitely worth a read.</div>
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A talented band performing.</div>
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At this part of the building, there're always music performances. These performances gather people to surround the upper level railings and bring entertainment to those sipping tea or coffee on the lower ground.</div>
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Covent Garden has always been one of my favourite parts of London.</div>
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I especially enjoy eating a Shake Shack burger (and maybe those cheesy fries and a milkshake) with a friend or two while sitting down and absorbing in the lively vibe!</div>
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I saw the girl next to me holding her sophisticated DSLR and immediately asked her to snap some shots for me.</div>
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She did very well! These are exactly how I've wanted them to be. Thank you passerby with awesome photography skill!</div>
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While it's still technically summer, the weather has been chilly for the past couple of weeks. Nevertheless, this Magnum pop-up store has stayed since late August. </div>
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The selling point is that you could let your creativity run wild and dress the ice cream bar however you like!</div>
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(Did I mention my favourite ice cream bar is Magnum? The almond chocolate one.)</div>
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Such a long line for a Thursday evening.</div>
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I think this pop-up is just for two more days! It's said to run until...today.</div>
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There's always next summer!</div>
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(I remembered it was a pop-up store inside <a href="http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/?&cm_mmc=PPC-_-GoogleBr-_-brand-_-selfridges%20uk&_$ja=tsid:51526|cid:142059014|agid:6347160614|tid:aud-51965299119:kwd-1192158601|crid:67661085134|nw:g|rnd:7349050962630429871|dvc:c|adp:1t1&gclid=Cj0KEQjwvdSvBRDahavi3KPGrvUBEiQATZ9v0GL0r6V5kGMFH-fPXLPkbMnugFpSq4cEYucg-VT6ayIaAqUy8P8HAQ" target="_blank"><b>Selfridges</b></a> last year.)</div>
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Can I bring this giant one home? *Drools*</div>
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A day (or evening) at Covent Garden can not go wrong.</div>
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Laduree, Chanel, Apple Store, Marks & Spencer, Muji...you name it, they're all there.</div>
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Another point to highlight is that it's super close to Chinatown and the Japanese store (Japan Centre) too!</div>
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The next week and weekend are going to rain and there may possibly be thunder (yikes). <br />
For that reason, I hurried to see this exhibition while it was sunny this past Thursday!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-47679537243722140632015-08-21T06:56:00.003-07:002015-08-21T07:08:46.418-07:00[Greece] The Island of Corfu<div align="center">
In Greek, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corfu" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Corfu Island</span></strong></a> is called Kerkyra.</div>
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It is located at the Northwest of Greece, while Mykonos and Santorini are at the Southeast.</div>
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Because it is so close to the heel of Italy, you could see much Italian influences on the Island.<br />
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There are many English, Russian and Italian tourists.</div>
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For once, I could count the amount of Asian tourists I saw on this trip with my 10 fingers.<br />
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The direct flight from London to Corfu is approximately two hours and 50 minutes.</div>
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I departed from Gatwick with my medium-sized backpack for a three-day and three-night trip.</div>
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Thanks to it being the summer, I managed to fit four outfits, two bikinis and all my toiletries in that backpack!</div>
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Truly travelling light!</div>
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On arrival, I was brought to an experimental jazz gig in the city centre (I think) and then for drinks until 2:30am.</div>
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For the Greeks, it's incredibly normal to eat dinner after 10pm and stay up to drink and chat until the next morning.</div>
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(And I thought 3am was late...)<br />
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You could probably say this type of lifestyle has took a toll on the economy, but I saw many hardworking people as well.<br />
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There are always stores and restaurants open all-day and all-night.</div>
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Can you imagine how tiring it must be for the owners and workers?<br />
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After very little sleep, we had breakfast and headed out for a beach-hopping day at 10am.<br />
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There were about 10 of us and we rented two speed boats.</div>
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Along the way, we saw beautiful caves and mountains weathered by the waves.</div>
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We arrived at the first beach, which was kind of crowded because of the sandy beach and the two caves.<br />
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I didn't want my hair to get wet, so I kept my floaty close by.<br />
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That was a fun but tiring day.<br />
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We went back to the hotel for a nap.<br />
At 9pm, we got up and prepared for a night out.<br />
We waited at this elegant hotel lobby for the taxi, which took us to the village of Pelekas.<br />
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The bunch of us hung around the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zanzibar-Corfu/266869675556" target="_blank">Zanzibar</a> </b>for the night!<br />
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Opposite the bar, the same band from the first night was playing again.<br />
This time with a jazz player, who played the alto, soprano and tenor saxophone all in the same piece of music.<br />
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You know how good he was just by looking at how mesmerized this little girl looked!<br />
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We finally woke up at holiday time (around 10am) and had breakfast the next day.<br />
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By 12:30pm, we were here, preparing for parasailing!<br />
Do you spot us on the platform preparing for our take off run?<br />
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I was ready to run at full speed.<br />
Thankfully, the staff said we just needed to run in small steps.<br />
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And...we were in the sky like birds!<br />
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The ride was about 15 to 20 minutes.<br />
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We landed in the sea gently, swam our way to the speed boat while the boat driver retrieved the parachute.<br />
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Later in the afternoon, we finally did our first touristy thing: visit the beautiful <a href="http://www.achillion-corfu.gr/default_en.html" target="_blank"><strong>Archilleion Palace.</strong></a><br />
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This palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as "Sissi").<br />
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Though it was very hot outside, inside the palace remained relatively cool.<br />
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The shaded areas in the garden also kept us from the heat.<br />
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Here you see a statue of Archilles, a Greek hero of the Trojan War.<br />
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He is known for his slaying of the Trojan hero, Hector, outside the gates of Troy.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Wikipedia</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span><br />
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Achilles is also famously known as an unbeatable warrior in which his only weakness was his heel.<br />
Hence, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles%27_heel" target="_blank"><strong>"Archilles' heel."</strong></a><br />
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We saw a couple dance (ballroom dance) and they left shortly after we came in.<br />
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We, too, started dancing to imaginary music and I thought that was a pretty romantic thing to do in a palace <3<br />
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The SUV we had was manual, so I couldn't share the driving. <br />
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I took photos of the town instead.<br />
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We were on our way back to the hotel to get some cash.<br />
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So I didn't have to stay behind and wash the dishes after...<br />
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My <a href="http://mtravelslondon.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/greece-foods-of-corfu.html" target="_blank"><strong>previous post</strong></a> gave a pretty good idea of all the good food we had for dinner that night.<br />
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After a bit of binge eating, we walked around town and encountered more food seduction...<br />
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The restaurant was near the sea. We managed to walk along the beach as the sun set.<br />
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As dusk arrived.<br />
This was the last sunset for our Corfu trip this year.<br />
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We ate breakfast the next morning and managed a stroll around the hotel before leaving.<br />
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The pool area I never got to play in :(<br />
I saw that they had an aerobics teacher the other day teaching on shore, while the students were following her moves in the water.<br />
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The most gorgeous view after the previous night's thunder and lightning.<br />
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The lightning was so bright and thunder so loud we thought it was a bomb.<br />
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Trailing off to a small island near the breakfast area, I was able to snap a photo of the hotel.<br />
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While I was waiting for check-out, one of the hotel staff gave me a farewell gift: a small treat box!<br />
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What a simple yet thoughtful gesture :)<br />
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Then, we flew back to London.<br />
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We both were missing home towards the end of the trip, but at the moment of leaving, that feeling complicated with wanting more of Corfu.<br />
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Since 2012, I've been wanting and wishing to visit the Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini.<br />
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Shortly after my relocation to London, I've learned of Corfu and have wanted to visit since.<br />
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By the mid-summer of 2015, I've visited all three Greek islands.<br />
I am most DEFINITELY a happy camper!<br />
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I find that having photos and blog posts to look back to for all the wonderful trips I've been on is very important.<br />
Thank you for taking your time to read :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Corfu, Greece39.6249838 19.92234610000002739.6249838 19.922346100000027 39.6249838 19.922346100000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-51999589963465017362015-08-13T13:39:00.003-07:002015-08-13T13:42:15.759-07:00[Greece] Foods of Corfu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once again, I have skipped my June holiday blog and came straight to writing about Corfu.</div>
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First thing's first, I have to write about the food!</div>
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When I go on beach holidays, I usually don't gain weight because of all the walking and (some) swimming.</div>
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The first morning, we had breakfast in this beautiful hotel restaurant that cannot look any more like a painting!</div>
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But...I was a little grumpy since Wi-Fi wasn't great and I couldn't reach my family or friends.</div>
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Shortly after, I finally got connection and became a happy camper again.</div>
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Buffet style continental breakfast :)</div>
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There were so many bees.</div>
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They just flew around all the sweets, especially the honey.</div>
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This made me understand, truly, the meaning of "breakfast with a view."</div>
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After breakfast, we went out for boating and came back to the hotel for dinner.</div>
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My seafood linguine.</div>
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Finally, authentic Greek salad.</div>
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Tzatziki, a dip made of olives, yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, salt, lemon juice and dill.</div>
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You can use it as a bread or meat dip.</div>
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I just ate it as is.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtlep4MOJWc/Vcz54AQZAdI/AAAAAAAADQA/NSTAWcMw5oE/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtlep4MOJWc/Vcz54AQZAdI/AAAAAAAADQA/NSTAWcMw5oE/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" /></a></div>
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If you've ever been to the Greek islands or read about them, you'd know there are many stray cats.</div>
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I shared a little bit of my linguine with this little guy.</div>
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I also gave him bread but he didn't fancy it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kem210yLx70/Vcz57qUKa3I/AAAAAAAADQI/0lzeWYM7TBo/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kem210yLx70/Vcz57qUKa3I/AAAAAAAADQI/0lzeWYM7TBo/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" /></a></div>
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Lunch view.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcfPuYfPlhM/Vcz58Anc9SI/AAAAAAAADQM/bG1DaCF4SjA/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcfPuYfPlhM/Vcz58Anc9SI/AAAAAAAADQM/bG1DaCF4SjA/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" /></a></div>
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The second day after parasailing, we drove around the island and had dinner at this <i>amazing</i> restaurant <a href="http://klimataria-restaurant.gr/en_index.htm" target="_blank"><b>"Bellos."</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUziPINdFsY/Vcz6A3Em4cI/AAAAAAAADQg/Rwc6yH5_UjE/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NUziPINdFsY/Vcz6A3Em4cI/AAAAAAAADQg/Rwc6yH5_UjE/s1600/IMG_8549.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WF-3jhc14I/Vcz6BAtW1rI/AAAAAAAADQk/g-IJTOou3eA/s1600/IMG_8550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4WF-3jhc14I/Vcz6BAtW1rI/AAAAAAAADQk/g-IJTOou3eA/s1600/IMG_8550.JPG" /></a></div>
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Tomato (from Arillas North Corfu) & Feta cheese (from Vonitsa on mainland)</div>
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This wasn't just our regular tomatoes. They were ripe and SO VERY tasty!</div>
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It taste THAT good I thought they added MSG, but I didn't feel thirsty at all after...I wonder what the secret ingredient is.</div>
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Best tomatoes I've had in my life.</div>
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You know it's that good when it can be a standalone dish.</div>
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Seasons greens, boiled, with lemon & olive oil</div>
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Again, <i>amazing</i> even just boiled. And it's healthy.</div>
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Olive oil and vinegar.</div>
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I insisted we have steamed mussels (parsley, olive oil, garlic).</div>
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A little bit salty, but the sauce was great with bread after.</div>
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Here comes the yummylicious kalamari!</div>
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I didn't know kalamari has bone in the middle until this dish. </div>
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This was the <b><u>QUEEN.</u></b></div>
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(I actually don't know what on the menu this is at, but I think it is the octopus in tomato sauce or the octopus in the oven with potatoes, garlic, oil?)</div>
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We were trying to avoid carbs so we just ordered the octopus without spaghetti.</div>
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But, we were still hungry and the octopus by itself was a little too salty.</div>
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We asked the friendly waiter (son of the restaurant owners) for some spaghetti :)</div>
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ONE OF THE BEST SPAGHETTI DISHES I'VE HAD!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxMkIusCdN0/Vcz6LqI1c5I/AAAAAAAADRc/esqxmSoOtwA/s1600/IMG_8557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxMkIusCdN0/Vcz6LqI1c5I/AAAAAAAADRc/esqxmSoOtwA/s1600/IMG_8557.JPG" /></a></div>
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En fin, the dessert of the day, made by the mom/co-owner of the restaurant. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAFI9S5VAxo/Vcz6MoxvDuI/AAAAAAAADRo/t4hiWr9YUpY/s1600/IMG_8558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAFI9S5VAxo/Vcz6MoxvDuI/AAAAAAAADRo/t4hiWr9YUpY/s1600/IMG_8558.JPG" /></a></div>
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After this meal I felt like the happiest girl ever, carrying my food baby tummy :)</div>
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Up next: Corfu fun! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Corfu, Kerkyra, Greece39.6249838 19.92234610000002739.576053300000005 19.841665100000029 39.6739143 20.003027100000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-41413970235808714392015-08-06T04:46:00.002-07:002015-08-06T04:48:55.196-07:00Up the O2!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The O2 is an arena in London, pretty much similar to Vancouver's Roger's Arena.</div>
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One of the major differences is that you cannot climb the Roger's, but you can definitely <a href="http://www.theo2.co.uk/do-more-at-the-o2/up-at-the-o2" target="_blank">c<span id="goog_633582843"></span>limb the O2!<span id="goog_633582844"></span></a></div>
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So on a gloomy (and almost rainy) day when the tube strike is on, I've decided to climb it!</div>
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(The weather and tube strike really are just coincidences...)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a68en0QLjVw/VcMBcVdcRKI/AAAAAAAADN0/Vc0nnPrE3EU/s1600/IMG_8170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a name='more'></a></a> Hopping off the tube while it was still running, I arrived just outside the North Greenwich station.<br />
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As I waited for the rest of my party to arrive, I looked enviously at the people already climbing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09k7WP54hLY/VcMBWjMNYtI/AAAAAAAADNY/htNsCjjZLuU/s1600/IMG_8153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09k7WP54hLY/VcMBWjMNYtI/AAAAAAAADNY/htNsCjjZLuU/s1600/IMG_8153.JPG" /></a></div>
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The cute decorations on the wall really gave off "the ultimate climb" sort of vibe.</div>
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In reality, the exercise is not strenuous.</div>
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If you have a fear of heights, that may be an issue.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkcWLYy8RuM/VcMBWkOoyMI/AAAAAAAADNU/Jz9vovvsuGc/s1600/IMG_8162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkcWLYy8RuM/VcMBWkOoyMI/AAAAAAAADNU/Jz9vovvsuGc/s1600/IMG_8162.JPG" /></a></div>
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Like any other "adventurous" endeavours, one must sign his/her life "away."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7OSKxA67l0/VcMBWgDeOYI/AAAAAAAADNQ/V-4Y-6vzxMU/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7OSKxA67l0/VcMBWgDeOYI/AAAAAAAADNQ/V-4Y-6vzxMU/s1600/IMG_8164.JPG" /></a></div>
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Then, we were seated in a small room to watch a humourous briefing video.</div>
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We moved to the next room where the staff gave us each a pair of shoe with good grip, a body strap kind of thing, a vest and this (photo below).<br />
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This thing was basically the only safety equipment that kept me from slipping and rolling down the O2 the whole climb.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7jxO3Cnvyc/VcMBaqQhjcI/AAAAAAAADNo/JD2Sy2a7cZM/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7jxO3Cnvyc/VcMBaqQhjcI/AAAAAAAADNo/JD2Sy2a7cZM/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" /></a></div>
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Now I look more prepared for a mission than James Bond.</div>
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When you don't have the skills, you especially need to dress the part.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKv7FmPeDxs/VcMB1Pw-LZI/AAAAAAAADOg/AFnIhW8yb0Y/s1600/IMG_8196.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uKv7FmPeDxs/VcMB1Pw-LZI/AAAAAAAADOg/AFnIhW8yb0Y/s1600/IMG_8196.PNG" /></a></div>
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No photos were allowed until we got to the viewing platform, which took the group about 15 minutes.</div>
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The view? Well, it was pretty breathtaking!</div>
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This is the walkway.</div>
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It's bouncy, but you're not allowed to bounce.</div>
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How I held onto the urge to.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stJgQj8mQmo/VcMBdRemgeI/AAAAAAAADOA/g27T49Gn4Tw/s1600/IMG_8176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stJgQj8mQmo/VcMBdRemgeI/AAAAAAAADOA/g27T49Gn4Tw/s1600/IMG_8176.JPG" /></a></div>
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There are 12 of these yellow poles, which represents 12 months of the year.</div>
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The O2 dome is EXACTLY 365m (365 days a year) in circumference. </div>
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The climb is 52m (52 weeks in a year) high.</div>
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And these, I tell you, are NOT coincidences.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1AZRfCkdA/VcMBpFEfQTI/AAAAAAAADOI/E9-hJD9yRnU/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1AZRfCkdA/VcMBpFEfQTI/AAAAAAAADOI/E9-hJD9yRnU/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" /></a></div>
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I had to jump.</div>
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Since I couldn't on the walkway, I jumped for a photo on the viewing platform.</div>
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The guides didn't scold me, so I assumed it was allowed if you ever want to try.</div>
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It was very windy!</div>
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A hair fixing session was needed. Ah, the things I do for good photos.</div>
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It's not cheap for the experience, but definitely worth it.</div>
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I believe there is a promotion going on in the month of September where you can climb up for 50% off.</div>
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If you're looking to catch the sunset, it's a little bit more than the regular price.</div>
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I would recommend it! And you don't have to dress all sporty like I did.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0The O2, London SE10, UK51.5025248 0.003664100000037251451.4975828 -0.0064208999999627488 51.5074668 0.013749100000037252tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-66883055132617083702015-07-24T13:05:00.001-07:002015-07-24T13:10:22.219-07:00[France] The Little City of Colmar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to my post on <a href="http://www.ot-colmar.fr/en/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Colmar!</span></strong></a></div>
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After my insistence on visiting this city, my two friends have agreed to come with me. I think one of them just don't really care or know where she is going lol.</div>
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Once again, I must confess the pick of Colmar is because of some photos I've seen online couple years ago. What could be a better way to pick your vacation spot right?</div>
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(Seriously, just look at how gorgeous this place is!)</div>
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Getting off the train, we took a cab to city centre because of our luggages. I made myself proud by holding up a "where is downtown" conversation in 100% French with the taxi driver.</div>
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We dropped off our bags at our hotel which was only a 10-minute walk to "Little Venice" here.</div>
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On the other side of the bridge.</div>
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It was getting dark, so we decided to take a stroll through town and then settle down for supper.</div>
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But we saw this view at Le Quai De La Poissonerie and spent about half an hour snapping photos! We were so hungry after.</div>
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Even though by the water and it was the evening, I didn't feel any mosquitoes flying around. </div>
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To me, that was <i>magical </i>because I would be the Marilyn Monroe of the mosquito world otherwise. (I'm trying to explain how much mosquitoes love me.) </div>
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We had dinner at a touristy spot because a lot of the other restaurants were closed already.</div>
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The next morning, one of my friends and I manage to wake up early enough to have our morning stroll.</div>
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There were so many people taking photos of this building.<br />
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This is the Pfister House, the "first example of architectural renaissance in Colmar." <br />
It is famous because Ludwig Scherer, the hatter, lived here. According to <a href="http://www.ot-colmar.fr/en/architectural-heritage/F235008787_the-pfister-house-colmar" target="_blank"><strong>this,</strong></a> he "made his fortunate with money trading in the Val de Liepvre.<br />
(I am not sure what Val de Liepvre is...)</div>
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We went into the restaurant opposite the famous building and ordered a soup and a crepe to share. We already had a mini breakfast before our stroll.<br />
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Past by "Little Venice" again and had to take more photos.</div>
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Then one of us headed back to her city as she still had work the next day.</div>
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We bid her goodbye not quite in tears. (The other two were meeting up in Rome the following week and I'll be seeing her again very soon.)</div>
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Nevertheless, we did it the proper way.</div>
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Leaving the station, we past by this majestic looking building.</div>
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I was jolly the weather was nice and that I was on holiday! (It was the third day of my trip, so the idea was finally sinking in.)</div>
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We arrived at the Cathedral.<br />
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It seems like almost any city I go in Europe, there's always a fancy cathedral.</div>
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As I was with my friends on this trip, you'll see less selfies of me!</div>
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What a good thing right?</div>
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The sun went down and we were back in "Little Venice."</div>
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Colmar is not as small as we've imagined.</div>
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It has lots of shops with good deals if you're not only looking at high street fashion stores!</div>
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The weather was still chilly when we were there, but July and August would be perfect to visit.</div>
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We stayed at the <a href="http://www.turenne.com/uk/index.php" target="_blank"><strong>Hôtel Turenne,</strong></a> which was decent priced and very clean! I highly recommend this city if you're looking for a quiet and family-friendly getaway.</div>
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P.S. I forgot to mention the hotel we stayed at in Strasbourg. It's called <a href="http://www.odalys-vacances.com/location-campagne/alsace/strasbourg/green-marsh.html?typevac=61&redir=true&tab=2&context_action=planning" target="_blank"><strong>Residence Green Marsh</strong></a> and is only a 10-minute walk from the Strasbourg central train station. <span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It is very spacious and also very clean.</span></span><br />
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As usual, I stuck to my favourite hotel reservation website: <a href="http://www.booking.com/index.en-gb.html?aid=397597;label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-unspec-gb-com-L%3Aen-V%3A0CDAQFjAAahUKEwiF72SsvHGAhWhaNsKHWgrDgs-O%3Aunk-B%3Aunk-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX;sid=f0a1fdf4c5c6ca15bde72257b3a8dad1;dcid=4;bb_ltbi=0&" target="_blank"><strong>Booking.com.</strong></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Colmar, France48.0793589 7.358512000000018847.909728400000006 7.0357885000000184 48.2489894 7.6812355000000192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-33807686113291214432015-07-18T16:19:00.000-07:002015-07-18T16:36:59.537-07:00A Beautiful Encounter: Hitchin Lavender Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've always wanted to see a lavender field - an actual <i><u>grand</u></i> field with rows and rows of lavenders!</div>
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This year I won't make it to Southern France, so I found <b><a href="http://www.mayfieldlavender.com/" target="_blank">Mayfield</a>,</b> <a href="http://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Cotswold</b></a> and <a href="http://www.hitchinlavender.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hitchin lavender farms.</span></b></a></div>
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After some Googling, I settled with Hitchin because of proximity and some photos online.</div>
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Hitchin station is just 30 minutes away from London King's Cross. The lavender farm is an £8 taxi ride from the station.</div>
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We arrived afternoon and were famished. We went into the cafe/store and got some food (spotted the must-try lavender ice cream while paying).</div>
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We bought quite a bit from the store!</div>
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I never liked the smell of lavender or its products much until today. Right now, there are some lavenders resting by my bedside table.</div>
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Apart from picking, you could also buy lavenders in soil.</div>
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Lavenders are drought tolerant flowers, so I'd imagine you would only have to water it once in a while.</div>
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If you've picked them from the fields, then watering is needed more often.</div>
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(Though they make lovely dried flowers too!)</div>
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The dining area is quite big. We found a bench all to ourselves shortly after paying at the till.</div>
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This play station is for children three to eleven years old.</div>
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I guess this play station is for children below three years old?</div>
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Beautiful blue sky after almost a week of gloominess and cloudiness.</div>
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<b>Lentil & bacon soup £4.45</b></div>
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One word: delicious!</div>
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<b>Antipasto Platter £8.75</b></div>
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<b>Lavender Ice Cream £2</b></div>
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This is a must-try! The taste is so light and so lavenderly-sweet.</div>
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<b>Lavender Cupcake £??</b></div>
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This goes perfectly with the ice cream!<br />
(Someone couldn't wait to have a/several bites...)</div>
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After lunch, we strolled slowly (due to fullness) towards the entrance booth. Do remember to buy your entrance pass at the cafe/store! Price detail is <a href="http://www.hitchinlavender.com/visit-us/opening-times.aspx" target="_blank"><b>here.</b></a></div>
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This is a small field for your preview.</div>
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It truly was the <u><i>grand</i> </u>field I was looking for!</div>
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To the right...</div>
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To the left...</div>
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Here's my dream, right here, standing in the middle of a lavender field and having my photo taken!<br />
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My dress is pink, can you tell?<br />
I purposely dressed for the occasion in a matching colour, but the sun kind of ruined my effort lol.</div>
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Walking through the lavenders was a bit intimidating just because there were A LOT of bees, wasps and many other bugs flying all over...some even hit my face due to high speed flying.</div>
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I would really like to tell you the bugs do keep busy and leave you alone. But, I saw a mother brought her daughter to the ticket booth asking for medicine...the little girl's foot was quite swollen (poor thing).</div>
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Do you spot the giant bees?<br />
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I was wearing my short dress and so far, after almost seven hours, my legs still look okay. All I can advise is...it is safe to wear shorts and short skirts but keep in mind that you and the bees and wasps are sharing the field.</div>
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In Southern France, lavenders are in full bloom around mid-July.</div>
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I guess there are still bits of green in Hitchin because we don't have such warm weather in the UK.</div>
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For £4.50 per person, you get a pair of scissors (have to be returned later) and a brown paper bag.</div>
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You're allowed to cut and bag some lavender home!</div>
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We saw a wedding venue on our way to the exit.</div>
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This view was just behind the newly weds' ceremony!</div>
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Such a cute sign!</div>
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The wedding reception.</div>
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A little bit sad to leave this place.</div>
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Today was a lovely day with good weather, good food and good company.</div>
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I had little expectation for the Hitchin Lavender Farm, but it definitely exceeded anything I could ever imagine for UK.</div>
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After seeing my first lavender field, I am quite determined to visit Provence next summer!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com1Hitchin Lavender Farm51.9744982 -0.2760358000000451351.9353567 -0.35671680000004513 52.0136397 -0.19535480000004513tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-38575394461908667592015-07-17T06:48:00.004-07:002015-07-17T06:48:55.120-07:00[France] Strasbourg - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the best part about being on vacation in a foreign city is that nobody knows you.</div>
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(Except your travel companions obviously.)</div>
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You can sing freely while walking down the streets, laugh loudly, take constant selfies and pose as tourist-like as you want!</div>
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The second half of my day at <a href="http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/en/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Strasbourg</span></strong></a> was like that.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It was a hot summer day in town, but we continued to stroll along the river L'Ill.</span></span><br />
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Although tempted, we resisted the urge to hop onto a river boat.</div>
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(It was mainly because we had no time before catching our train to Colmar.)</div>
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This was what I meant when I mentioned "tourist" pose.</div>
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There were quite a few swans in the river, just like the one behind me.</div>
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I found this incredibly romantic, especially with the two people (a couple) sitting below the tree by the beautiful bridge.</div>
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Now that I looked back on this photo, it seemed like they were having a serious discussion...hopefully it was nothing too serious.</div>
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Would love to have a lazy afternoon date there, perhaps with some wine and food.</div>
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Here was this lovely willow hanging down, which created this mini "tunnel."</div>
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The way these houses were built made the area looked like a fairy tale land.</div>
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I could imagine Belle from "Beauty & the Beast" dancing and singing her morning away here!</div>
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We stayed in Strasbourg for one night and left for Colmar the next day.</div>
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If you decide to visit these two cities, I would recommend spending more time in Strasbourg than Colmar. There was quite a bit more to do in Strasbourg, day and night.</div>
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Scenery wise, Colmar is slightly prettier. It's not as big a city as Strasbourg, so it is less industrial/touristy.</div>
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Next up: our adventures in Colmar!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Strasbourg, France48.5734053 7.752111300000024148.4052903 7.4293878000000237 48.7415203 8.0748348000000245tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-5631388392406146282015-07-13T14:41:00.002-07:002015-07-13T14:41:52.813-07:00[France] Strasbourg - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once again, I took the <a href="http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx?utm_expid=46858713-73.7WwqmyxgSP2UiymY86UnDw.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.uk%2F" target="_blank"><b>National Express bus</b></a> to Stansted Airport.</div>
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My destination this time: <a href="http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/en/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Strasbourg</span></b></a> in Eastern France.</div>
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It was 9pm in Strasbourg when I arrived. For some reason (I'm sure there was a legit reason), the train no longer ran so I had to take the bus.</div>
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Quite a lot of others and myself waited for 45 minutes for the bus to arrive.</div>
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No matter though, as we all saw this beautiful sunset.</div>
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After I reached the city centre, I was lost.</div>
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Immediately I went to a nearby McDonald's to connect to free wifi! </div>
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(McD is the most reliable fast food chain in Europe in terms of free wifi!)</div>
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I walked another 10 minutes and finally found the hotel my friends and I were staying at.</div>
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The next day, we started sightseeing not quite early...(blame the one who slept in lol)</div>
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It was a Sunday morning, so the town, like many parts of Europe, was quiet.</div>
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I've always loved the French streets :)</div>
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They're so colourful and particular in smaller cities, the streets are so clean.</div>
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We were searching for food and found <a href="http://www.saintsepulcre.fr/" target="_blank"><b>Saint Sépulcre!</b></a></div>
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From the look of it, I was pretty sure it was a tourists kinda restaurant.</div>
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We were so hungry we over ordered...</div>
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Because Strasbourg is so close to the German border, the menu is in French, German and English!</div>
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<b>Escargot in Garlic Butter(6) €9.90</b></div>
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<b>Onion Soup €7.90</b></div>
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This onion soup was so tasty but so light! So perfect for Asian taste buds.</div>
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<b>Tab Beef with Shallots, Fried Potatoes €19.50</b></div>
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<b>Onion Tart with Smoked Bacon Farmer €10.90</b></div>
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<b>Pork Spare Ribs with Coriander Caramel, Roasted Potatoes €16.90</b></div>
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<b>The side order of potatoes, €3</b>, is really not necessary as one of our other dishes already has potatoes.</div>
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Daily dessert feature #1 - basically <b>strawberries with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and sugar.</b></div>
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I recall this was <b>€5.60</b> or so...</div>
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This is the definition of "rip off."</div>
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It's just<b> strawberries, cut, with sugar</b>...around <b>€5.60</b> or so too.</div>
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After refuelling, we continued our sightseeing tour to the Strasbourg Cathedral.</div>
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I really liked my outfit that day!</div>
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The dress is from Zara and the hat is borrowed from my friend, who bought it in Slovenia!</div>
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I've never seen touristy cathedral so full of people sitting/actually attending a service!</div>
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One of my friends was eager to go on this merry-go-around in the city centre, so we did...</div>
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Never forget to play with your iPhone no matter where you're at.</div>
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There are just so many photos I found it hard to fit everything I want to post about, so there will be a Part 2!<br />
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Stay tune :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Strasbourg, France48.5734053 7.752111300000024148.4052903 7.4293878000000237 48.7415203 8.0748348000000245tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-4006197211070853142015-07-02T03:23:00.002-07:002015-07-02T03:26:15.861-07:00Afternoon Tea at The InterContinental<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first afternoon tea since moving to London is at the <a href="http://wellington-lounge.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wellington Lounge</span></b></a> of The InterContinental Park Lane.</div>
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The hotel decor is my favourite kind: not old-fashioned nor contemporary, but somewhere in between.</div>
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On this rare occasion, I decided to not put make up on.</div>
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What a great idea...at least I dressed nicely. </div>
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<strong>Scents of Summer - the beauty of British summertime £45 per person</strong></div>
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(Only until 27 Sep 2015)</div>
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The top layer are the grass shots.</div>
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They aren't marvellously delicious but definitely the most healthy.</div>
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The orange (chicken) and yellow (salmon) sandwiches are the best!</div>
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The purple sandwich at the back is my least favourite: cucumber. </div>
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As much as cucumber sandwich is "traditional," couple pieces of cucumber wrapped in bread and served in afternoon teas seems like a total rip off to me.</div>
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At this point you can choose to have more sandwiches or move onto the scones.</div>
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We wanted to try everything first before stuffing ourselves with seconds.</div>
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The best part about the second round is the earl grey butter!</div>
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Finally we got to pastries!!</div>
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The presentation matched perfectly with the name of this afternoon tea set.<br />
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The best part was probably when the waiter sprayed perfume that resembled "summer scent" into the air lol.<br />
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I seriously hope the perfume liquid was edible...</div>
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To our disappointment, this arrangement gave off a better look than it tasted.<br />
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I didn't really like any of the pastries :(<br />
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My friend said she never had high expectations for any pastries except the French's.</div>
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After tea time, I had to get a full body photo in since I dressed up :)</div>
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It was a perfect afternoon with my one of my bestest friends, who was visiting from Asia.<br />
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We sat down at 1:30pm and stayed until 5:30pm!<br />
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The atmosphere was so comfortable I fell asleep a little, except it got louder as the afternoon went by with more and more guests.<br />
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It would've been a plus with live piano performance :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0The InterContinental51.5037981 -0.1501662000000578725.981763599999997 -41.458760200000057 77.0258326 41.158427799999941tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-78147774241589161192015-06-28T13:45:00.001-07:002015-06-28T13:47:58.928-07:00The Screen on the Green<div style="text-align: center;">
It was almost like watching a movie at home on our own couch!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.everymancinema.com/venues/screen-on-the-green/whats-on/" target="_blank">The Screen on the Green</a> </span></b>is located near the Angel tube station and only has one screen.</div>
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When I was first told we will be watching a movie here, I immediately googled to make sure it's not really "on the green." You know, outdoor with the mosquitoes.</div>
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We watched the "Slow West."</div>
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Despite all the killings, this movie is filled with humour to a whole new level. </div>
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Got here early and ordered some snacks and water.</div>
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Check out their <a href="http://www.everymancinema.com/venues/screen-on-the-green/menus/" target="_blank"><b>menu</b></a>!</div>
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We got the last guacamole!</div>
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The bar is right at the back of the theatre.</div>
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You can place your order, pay and the friendly staff will bring over the food.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Service: <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">✮</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">✮</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">✮</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">✮</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">✮<br />(Five star is full score! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I don't normally give scores, so this is really only to tell you how happy I was with the service haha!)</span></div>
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One of the best parts were these foot rests.</div>
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We got seats D1 and D2, so we were able to watch the full movie without disturbance.</div>
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And I was a jolly girl after the movie - just a bit hungry.</div>
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We went to a nearby place to have some light snacks :)</div>
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London's two biggest theatres are probably <a href="http://www.myvue.com/vue-cinemas-in-london" target="_blank"><b>Vue</b></a> and <a href="http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/london/" target="_blank"><b>Odeon</b></a>, but those two are normally crowded and less private.</div>
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If you search around, there are many smaller cinemas (they call movie theatres "cinema" here) like The Screen on the Green.</div>
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My next aim is actually the <a href="http://www.electriccinema.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Electric Cinema</b></a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0The Screen on the Green51.5371117 -0.1031630999999606551.535877199999995 -0.10568459999996065 51.5383462 -0.10064159999996065tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-45734910390460171552015-06-26T05:13:00.000-07:002015-06-26T05:13:13.644-07:00Nitro Ice Cream What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Liquid nitrogen ice cream is ice cream that has been frozen using </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">liquid nitrogen</span></em><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>. The process takes less time than traditional ice cream manufacture.</em><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_nitrogen_ice_cream" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span></div>
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I was Googling for the best ice cream in London (to replace my love: <a href="http://earnesticecream.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Earnest Ice Cream</strong></a> from Vancouver) and found <span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><a href="http://www.chinchinlabs.com/" target="_blank">Chin Chin Labs,</a> </strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">which sells the liquid nitrogen ice cream!</span></div>
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Valrhona Chocolate flavour from their website totally attracted my undivided attention.</div>
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Just look at how content I looked (minus the tiredness).</div>
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The shop is about 10 minutes walk from the Camden Town tube station.</div>
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With the crowd on the weekends, you are looking at 20 minutes...</div>
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It has three small tables inside and a bench outside.</div>
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Of course, there is a bit of a queue from time to time.</div>
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The Brown-wich is one of their best sellers, but I personally find it way too sweet.</div>
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<strong>Pondicherry Vanilla £4.45</strong></div>
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(With some kind of topping that my friend picked)</div>
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Really these nitrogen ice cream is a lot smoother than regular ice cream!</div>
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Here's me happily devouring my <strong>Valrhona Chocolate ice cream £4.45</strong> as breakfast...</div>
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In case the queue does get long, you can always entertain yourself by watching nitrogen ice cream in the making.</div>
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While you are in the Camden Town Market, stay around and browse.</div>
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There are plenty to do, to shop, to eat and to see!</div>
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I can finally feel that summer breeze in London, so will definitely be on the hunt for more best ice cream in town!</div>
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Stay tune for my blogs :) Happy weekend everyone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Chin Chin Labs51.5409714 -0.14656469999999926.018936899999996 -41.4551587 77.0630059 41.1620293tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-75264132750670726202015-06-24T05:33:00.002-07:002015-06-24T05:33:48.374-07:00A Drink at the Sky Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the newer attractions of London, the <a href="http://skygarden.london/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sky Garden</span></strong></a>, will take your breathe away!</div>
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After work, I took my tourist friend up to the <a href="http://skygarden.london/sky-pod-bar" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sky Pod Bar</span></strong></a>, which is on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch.</div>
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A panoramic view of the "garden."</div>
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Won't you think we got a vodka-based drink and a Bloody Mary?</div>
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My friend got a headache from her four hours in the British Museum and I wasn't feeling well from lunch, so we decided to stay off the alcohol.</div>
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<strong>Fresh Lemonade £4 // Tomato Juice £3.50</strong></div>
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<strong>British Charcuterie for 1 person £12.50</strong></div>
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(Fennel salami, wild mushroom salami, house-cured salt beef, ham hock rillette, celeriac remoulade & breads)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oThv5qWePwo/VYqV8XkErVI/AAAAAAAAC20/vTAjecqTDhI/s1600/blogger-image--1940172390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oThv5qWePwo/VYqV8XkErVI/AAAAAAAAC20/vTAjecqTDhI/s1600/blogger-image--1940172390.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Carlingford Rock Oysters (6) £14</strong> </div>
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Whether it is for a date or for a birthday (like below photo), you can count on the Sky Garden (and your friends) to amaze you.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkHeO-71m0/VYqWECBFk7I/AAAAAAAAC3g/fnHSYpwL92o/s1600/blogger-image--221396195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkHeO-71m0/VYqWECBFk7I/AAAAAAAAC3g/fnHSYpwL92o/s1600/blogger-image--221396195.jpg" /></a></div>
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The Garden has these yellow and green bikes as decorations and I find them very good props for photos!</div>
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As much as we would loved to have seen the sunset, 9:21pm was simply too late for a weekday.</div>
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Plus, it may have been too crowded if we arrive late, causing security to not let us up.</div>
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If you decide to pop by, try visiting outside of these hours:</div>
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<strong>M-F 10am-6pm</strong></div>
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<strong>Sat & Sun 11am-9pm</strong></div>
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The above hours are for visitors with the Sky Garden tickets and you can book them for free<a href="https://skygardentickets.com/skygardenpublic_ui/events/" target="_blank"> <strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Sky Garden51.5115589 -0.08356130000004213825.989524399999997 -41.392155300000042 77.0335934 41.225032699999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-15137910743138038052015-06-22T05:18:00.005-07:002015-06-22T05:18:54.019-07:00My New Favourite: Duck & Waffle!<div style="text-align: center;">
Even before my move to London, I've been wanting to try <a href="http://duckandwaffle.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Duck & Waffle.</span></b></a></div>
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I find it to be one of the hardest restaurants to book in London for a full-time working Londoner!</div>
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Finally I called them up in late May and made this reservation for three weeks after.</div>
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It was truly worth my every effort.</div>
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Plus, my friend who's been staying with me this week got to try this too!</div>
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The security desk at the lobby didn't ask a bunch of questions (thank goodness) like some of the bars in London (yay).</div>
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We got into the elevator and went straight up to the 40th floor.</div>
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Glad the reservation was for today because of this gorgeous weather!</div>
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We arrived 30 minutes early and waited at the lounge area.</div>
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The hostess was nice enough to switch our original table for one with a better view :)</div>
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We stuck with the brunch menu, which is only available on weekends.</div>
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<b>Dorset Crab £15</b><br />
(White & brown crab meat, English wasabi, pickled pepper, basil)</div>
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Not my favourite dish because of the red pepper and that I was hoping for more crab roe...</div>
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<b>Duck & Waffle £17</b></div>
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(crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, mustard maples syrup)</div>
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The signature of this restaurant, hence the name!</div>
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This is almost like...when you've found a flawless man (which is impossible). This taste...is <em><u>possible.</u></em>I really hope you understood what I mean.</div>
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<b>BBQ-Spiced Crispy Pig Ears £5</b></div>
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My friend said this would be perfect with some alcohol...</div>
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Don't forget to strike a pose with the signature dish!</div>
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<b>Duck Egg En Cocotte(v) £13</b></div>
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(Wild mushroom, Gruyere, Truffle, Soldiers)</div>
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Cheesy, truffly and SO HOT. What can I complain about when all my favourite foods are combined??<br />
The taste is rather heavy, so my only recommendation is to share it with a friend or two.</div>
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<b>House Bread(v) £6</b></div>
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Thought it was just normal bread until I tried.</div>
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It was chewy and really you could eat without any sauce!</div>
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While waiting on our only dessert, I took the opportunity to look around the great view the restaurant offered.</div>
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The long awaited dessert!<br />
We saw another table ordered it just as we sat down and immediately asked our waiter where it is on the menu.<br />
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<strong>Torrejas (serves two)(v) £11</strong><br />(maple caramel apples, cinnamon ice cream)</div>
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Truly one of the most sensational afternoon brunches we've had.<br />
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My friend thoroughly enjoyed her time reading the menu for ingredients as she munched down all the food.<br />
She even purchased the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duck-Waffle-Recipes-Daniel-Doherty/dp/184533941X" target="_blank"><strong>recipe book</strong></a> written by the restaurant's Executive Chef, Dan Doherty.<br />
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I caught glimpses from the two tables beside us from time to time, most likely because we ordered so much for two! <br />
(And we wasted no food!)<br />
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Duck & Waffle is officially another of my favourite restaurants in London!<br />
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Friends, when you come visit, do let me know a month in advance so I can book us in :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Duck and Waffle51.5161743 -0.08094019999998636251.515556800000006 -0.08220069999998636 51.5167918 -0.079679699999986364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-29302546450834546862015-06-18T03:52:00.001-07:002015-06-18T03:52:11.971-07:00Jamie Oliver's Fifteen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my bestest friends is currently visiting me in London, so I've decided to take her to a nice rooftop bar.</div>
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<a href="http://www.theboundary.co.uk/rooftop/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Boundary Rooftop</span></strong></a> is a chic place I've found from Googling (Oh Google, what would I do without you?).</div>
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All the greens are real!</div>
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We arrived around 7pm and waited about 15 minutes.</div>
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There was only one party in front of us in line.</div>
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We took the lift up to the rooftop area and the hostess, thankfully, sat us semi-indoors.</div>
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We checked out the menu and decided to bail...</div>
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It wasn't bad at all, but my friend was tired from travelling and we decided to skip the alcohol.</div>
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We then took #205 bus and arrived at <a href="http://www.fifteen.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Jamie Oliver's Fifteen!</strong></span></a></div>
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The restaurant is spacious, but they've used a lot of the space for the bar area.</div>
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Our decision to skip the alcohol didn't persist, and we got one drink each!</div>
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<strong>[Left] Homemade ice tea £4.5</strong> (non-alcoholic)</div>
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<strong>[Right] Rose Gimlet £9</strong> (Beefeater gin, house-made yuzu & rose water cordial)</div>
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<strong>Crispy pig's cheek, Clarence Court egg, GoldRush apple, kimchi £9</strong></div>
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When I laid eyes on the menu, my instinct said to me, "this is the one!"</div>
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It truly was. The skin was very crispy and the cheek part was wonderfully dissolving in our mouths.</div>
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Then the lights dimmed and we could hardly see our food after lol.</div>
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Please bare with the food photos with flash.</div>
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<strong>Cornish hake, wild garlic, Jersey Royals, <span style="font-family: inherit;">smoked crème fraîche £23</span></strong></div>
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The fish and the sauce I very much agree too. The baby potatoes could do without.</div>
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<strong>Hereford short rib, spring Tropea onion, Desiree mash, Montgomery Cheddar £24</strong></div>
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The meat literally melted in our mouths, but we both found this dish a little too salty.</div>
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The Desiree mash was obviously there to compensate for the heavier sauce, but we avoided carbs. The Tropea onions were very good compliments.</div>
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<strong>Caramelized filo pastry, cream cheese, beetroot syrup £7</strong></div>
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I wouldn't say it was my favourite dessert, but certainly quite an interesting choice in using beetroot.</div>
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It certainly made me feel like intaking the healthier choice!</div>
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And here's the other side with no flash.</div>
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Thank you my friend for assisting in this photo by shining her iPhone flashlight from above.</div>
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We were strolling around Shoreditch and before we knew it, we ended up in the Islington area!</div>
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The most meaningful thing about this restaurant is that it is "non-profit."</div>
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It for one, provides the moderately-priced delicious food and drinks for its customers. The next part is my favourite:</div>
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<em>"I set up Fifteen because I believe young people have untapped talents, often hidden by problems in their home lives. These talents can be freed by a passion for good food and meaningful hard work..."</em> -Jamie Oliver</div>
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This quote is about The Fifteen Apprentice Programme, which allows young people from 18 to 25 to participate. The programme is 12-months long with guaranteed housing. Apprentice chefs also receive £130 per week in training allowance, travel allowances and a 4-week holiday entitlement!</div>
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These are just some things I higlighted and may not be entirely accurate. The best is of course to <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/the-fifteen-apprentice-programme/programme/apprentice_programme" target="_blank"><strong>visit the website</strong></a><strong> </strong>and <a href="mailto:fifteen@jamieoliver.org" target="_blank"><strong>contact the restaurant</strong></a><strong><u><span style="color: #0066cc;">.</span></u></strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Jamie Oliver's Fifteen51.528508 -0.09021200000006501851.5284695 -0.090291000000065014 51.528546500000004 -0.090133000000065022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-91643227620791568882015-06-16T02:55:00.002-07:002015-06-16T02:56:32.194-07:00A Look Inside Kenwood House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Located a 20-minute walk from the Hampstead tube station, the <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenwood/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kenwood House</span></strong></a> is a stunning estate with breathtaking garden and grounds.</div>
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I love walking down nature "tunnels" like this.</div>
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It's when I can sort of feel like a princess yoif you know what I mean.</div>
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Last second I was mesmerised by the "tunnel" and the next second these flowers.</div>
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I got here around 1pm and people were already having their picnics. </div>
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By the time I finished touring Kenwood House, the garden got quite packed.</div>
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Thank you Mr. Passer-by for taking this wonderful photo of me!</div>
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A mini "tunnel."</div>
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I could lie on the grass and roll down the hill.</div>
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A brief description of who used to live and own the Kenwood House.</div>
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It was a rather small household to be living such a enormous mansion.</div>
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One of the more modern estates I have seen in Europe.<br />
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Though the floors still squeaked quite a bit.</div>
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Entering the main living room.</div>
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Not too sure what they call the "main living room." </div>
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I'd imagine it would be the "salon," but the Mister and Mrs each have their own salon in other parts of the mansion.</div>
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On almost every chair in the mansion, there are these simple and cute decoration.</div>
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The library *o*<br />
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Forget Kindle, I would pick up a book and sit here all afternoon.</div>
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In every room, there are modern chairs available for visitors to sit and admire the rooms.</div>
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Another brief introduction of the household members who used to live here.</div>
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A large space for kids to have some fun and embrace the sunshine.</div>
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I adore this staircase!</div>
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As new as this property looked (compared to other estates I've visited in Europe), the floor continued to squeak whenever I step on it.</div>
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Certainly I hope it was not because of my weight...</div>
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All over the mansion, there is a large collection of paintings displayed.</div>
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I especially liked this room because of the three instruments: a piano, an organ and a harp.</div>
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My tour ended in a gift shop.</div>
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I must say the gift shop carpet was so soft I could stand there for half a day.</div>
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The front of Kenwood House.</div>
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I walked to the back for the cafe and a tour of the back garden (and secretly, ice cream).</div>
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London is a very dog-friendly City.</div>
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I saw a lot of people bringing their dogs on tubes, restaurants and tourists attractions.</div>
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In this area of the cafe, animals are not allowed. If you brought your dog(s)...</div>
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you could sit with them in this area instead!</div>
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It wasn't exactly a hot sunny day, but <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">definitely an ice cream deserving day!</span></div>
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This chocolate ice cream was so chocolaty. *Heart-shaped eyes*</div>
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Finally I can write Hampstead off my wishlist!</div>
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Instead, I've placed it on my regular list because I really enjoyed the neighbourhood and the fresh air.</div>
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If you ever want to escape the vibrant London city life for an entire day, Hampstead is the number one choice!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Kenwood House, London, Hampstead, London NW3 7JR51.571431999999987 -0.1671959999999899126.049397499999987 -41.475789999999989 77.093466499999991 41.141398000000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-52212968802965691462015-06-01T06:01:00.002-07:002015-06-01T06:06:01.464-07:00Hampstead Heath Beyond My Imagination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampstead" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hampstead</span></b></a> was one of the top places on my London to-go list.</div>
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It's about an hour transit from home.</div>
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On a Saturday morning, I woke up at 8am, full of energy but nowhere to burn.</div>
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It was a perfect sign I should stroll around London before my evening plans.</div>
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You know, to burn some of my excessive energy off.</div>
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(I miss Artizia! They really should consider expanding to London.)</div>
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Turn right when you get out of the Hampstead tube station and walk up the hill.</div>
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Watch out for a small back alley, the "Back Lane."</div>
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A cute couple with a gorgeous background!</div>
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I adore this back alley so much I had to selfie with it.</div>
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London has always been beautiful, but I couldn't help but took photos at every corner of this neighbourhood!<br />
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It was as if I've walked into a film set and everywhere was photo-worthy.</div>
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If you keep walking up the slope, you'll be heading towards the Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House direction.<br />
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I make the walk sound so easy. In reality, it is a 20 or so minute walk from the station.</div>
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Let's not forget these very London represent snaps en route.</div>
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Found a secret passage to the main road inside the park.<br />
(Actually I just happened to have missed the real entrance to the park lol.)</div>
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Right: bike lane // Left: pedestrians<br />
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This part reminded me of Stanley Park in Vancouver.<br />
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Beautiful scenery right beside the road. And there was me breathing in dusts...</div>
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I quickly found another secret passage and dashed into the forest to avoid pollution.<br />
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Being in this mini forest reminded me of my forest adventures in West Vancouver!</div>
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London has many parks, but this is one of the rare mini forests.</div>
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I walked into the forest and ended up coming out of it from this route, feeling slightly lost.<br />
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At this point, I was about to pull out my phone to locate my whereabout when I saw other tourists holding the Kenwood House brochures.<br />
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I started walking towards where they all came from.</div>
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Had a slight detour (by slight, it was literally 2 minutes) when I saw this contemporary piece.</div>
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Then, my slight detour turned into quite a detour.<br />
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What can I say? <br />
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The weather was brilliant, people were wandering around the fields and dogs were playing with each other!</div>
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I ate two pieces of toasties and two avocados that morning. <br />
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I had so much energy in me that if I didn't come out for a stroll, I'd be sitting at home feeling fat.<br />
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Richmond Park (with the deers) was a far reach as I still had my evening plans, so Hampstead Heath was the obvious answer.<br />
(I do want to visit Kew Garden as well.)<br />
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You could spend a lovely day at Hampstead whether walking your dog, hanging out with friends, hosting a picnic and many other outdoor activities.<br />
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Londoners especially adore their nature because of how rare it is within the city. <br />
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As a current Londoner myself and having come from the beautiful British Columbia, I indulged my early afternoon in my kind of fairy tale nature land: Hampstead Heath.<br />
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Next up: Kenwood House!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com6Hampstead Heath51.5608421 -0.1631376000000273151.541099100000004 -0.20347810000002731 51.5805851 -0.1227971000000273tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-5250519478776792202015-05-31T16:27:00.002-07:002015-05-31T16:27:01.608-07:00A Tate Modern Dining Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The highest level of Tate Modern is home to the <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/eat-drink-and-shop/level-6-restaurant" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Level 6 Restaurant.</span></b></a></div>
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Every time I come up here for the cafe or restaurant, it is usually packed.</div>
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Today we managed to wait about 30 minutes (they give you a buzzer) at the cafe area and got a pretty good table at the restaurant for late lunch.</div>
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We were pretty lucky to find a small table and later, two seats by the window while waiting on the restaurant.</div>
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Look at this view! So surreal!</div>
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After finishing our OJ and bottle of sparkling water, our buzzer buzzed and we quickly claimed our table.</div>
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The restaurant is quite spacious. </div>
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They don't have too many tables, so the wait does build up.</div>
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At first we tried to share a starter and a main, but the waiter had to ask the manager first. Apparently each guest has to order a main.</div>
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The manager did approve so we got the Fennel cured salmon, celery & apple slaw, argan oil and the Salad of asparagus, sprouting broccoli, spring onions, Rosary's goats' cheese, pickled walnuts.</div>
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See how the two above were healthy choices?</div>
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Yes, I HAD to order these chunky chips to ruin our attempt to be completely healthy :)</div>
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Being photo-shy, which is rare in me.</div>
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Today's trip to Tate Modern was mainly to see <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/mark-rothko-1875" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mark Rothko</span></b></a>'s collection and other contemporary art.</div>
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It was crowded, but less crowded than what I expected for a Sunday afternoon.</div>
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I bet it would be quite a fun family event during the weekend mornings!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0tate modern, One Aldwych Hotel, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ51.5118789 -0.1189948999999614925.9898444 -41.427588899999961 77.0339134 41.189599100000038tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-72830954287425803192015-05-27T13:43:00.000-07:002015-05-27T13:46:20.079-07:00An Evening at Neverland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By far the BEST play I have seen!</div>
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Seeing this version of <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://openairtheatre.com/production/jm-barries-peter-pan" target="_blank">"Peter Pan"</a> </span></b>made me noticed the sad truth behind the character. It definitely isn't as jolly as the Disney version.</div>
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Peter Pan was a character created based on the author's older brother, David, who passed away from an ice-skating accident. The author, J.M. Barrie, and his mother both thought of David as "the boy who wouldn't grow up."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: Wikipedia)</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo source: https://openairtheatre.com/production/jm-barries-peter-pan)</span></div>
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The Open Air Theatre is a 15-20 minute walk from Regent's Park station and is situated inside the Park.</div>
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We managed to get water, coke and a small mint chocolate chip ice cream right before the show starts (yay).</div>
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The set up for the first scene was a hospital setting during World War I. Wendy was one of the nurses at the hospital while John and Michael (depicted as Wendy's two younger brothers in the Disney Peter Pan) were injured soldiers being cared for in the hospital.</div>
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What a perfect non-obstructed view of the stage!</div>
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I was, at first, really curious how the stage could be modified for the different scenes.</div>
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Now I can reassure you, do NOT worry about that!</div>
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Props, sound effects, the backgrounds, the actors/actresses were all BRILLIANT in making every scene come to life!</div>
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(One of the many scenes were set at sea and I could totally feel myself being underwater!)</div>
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This is one of the final scenes where Peter Pan's crew fight together to defeat Captain Cook.</div>
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There was an intermission half way through and we got another ice cream (chocolate this time). Oops...diet another day I guess.</div>
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At the end, the audience clapped so very hard to show how much we appreciated and enjoyed their performances. These actors and actresses were truly talented and we really felt like the story came to life.</div>
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The main character, Wendy, was played by an Asian girl. She was truly glowing as a "Wendy."</div>
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Here is Peter Pan (in all green)!</div>
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At the end of the play, I managed to capture a photo of this mesmerizing stage. </div>
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Towards later in the night, the mild wind blew off the white pollens from surrounding flowers, making the ambiance a little too romantic to be true!</div>
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The seats behind us. We were seated in the middle, very close to the stage.</div>
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Seating area is like a wide "U"-shape, surrounding the stage. </div>
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The lighting and trees made the Theatre looked magical :)</div>
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I still felt like I was in Neverland while walking out. </div>
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Following the crowd to the closest tube station - Regent's Park Station (only the Bakerloo line stops here).</div>
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It's already end of May, but it has been quite chilly this past week. We dressed for the occasion, but it felt a bit chilly after the intermission. </div>
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I saw many people pulled their blankets out! Even the two little girls beside me. This is one smart thing to remember if you ever go for an outdoor show.</div>
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I brought my umbrella along in case it rained. Lucky it didn't!</div>
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"Peter Pan" was an incredible experience. The show is until 14 June and I highly highly recommend it.</div>
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Now I shall visit Neverland for at least eight hours before waking up to reality. </div>
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Goodnight!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Open Air Theatre51.527215299999988 -0.155398399999967326.005180799999987 -41.463992399999967 77.049249799999984 41.153195600000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-89366139682641876882015-05-16T13:31:00.001-07:002015-05-19T14:53:42.059-07:00Happily Museum Overload<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it's the weekend and sleeping in is totally acceptable.</div>
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But, I just can't, knowing there are so much to do in London!</div>
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<i>9:45am</i> - Met up with a friend on hunt for delicious doughnuts together.</div>
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Check <a href="https://www.stjohngroup.uk.com/bakery/doughnuts/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">St. John Bakery</span></b></a> out! </div>
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This location is for take away only.</div>
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The cafe/restaurant is right behind (you have to go around). It opened at 10am today.</div>
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Their signatures are the custard and jam flavours.</div>
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Today's jam flavour was the rhubarb. The jam flavours rotates every so often between raspberry, rhubarb, strawberry, apricots and more.</div>
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We decided to walk around to the restaurant so we could sit and sip tea.</div>
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On this street and the street behind, there were about 15+ food vendors and stores.</div>
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I want to try this Greek food place next time!</div>
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We walked around a bit until the store opened at 10am.</div>
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Ordered the custard and rhubarb doughnuts!</div>
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The custard one was so fresh, not too sweet and smelled like wonder. The doughnut itself was chewy and not oily.</div>
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The rhubarb one was tasty with the fresh rhubarb jam. Again, not too sweet.</div>
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I most definitely recommend these - they are much better than those famous doughnuts! (Secretly, I prefer custard over rhubarb jam.)</div>
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Oh and by the way, the chocolate one is chocolate, not Nutella (yes, I asked).</div>
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Cute little store.</div>
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We sat out in the sun while sipping our green and black teas.</div>
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Next up: <a href="https://designmuseum.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Design Museum.</span></b></a></div>
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The current exhibition is the "Life On Foot," hence the trainer wall behind me.</div>
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(Please excuse my messy hair...I blame the wind.)</div>
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The first floor is the "Life On Foot" exhibition, with Camper shoes as the protagonist.</div>
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We spent quite a bit of time watching an animation of a "walking city."</div>
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(A white figure continuously walked, while its form changed non-stop to reflect different eras of city built - trust me, it's <i>mesmerizing</i>.)</div>
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The second floor is more general, displaying product designs over the years such as this iMac from the late 90s.</div>
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And this beauuuuutiful i8. </div>
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I would love a ride and experience how quiet it is at full speed!</div>
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Hmmm, these look like Canadian bills.</div>
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I used to get people visiting Canada tell me that the Canadian bills look like monopoly money. Haha!</div>
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I bid my friend goodbye and headed to Covent Garden for <a href="http://londonfilmmuseum.com/home/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Bond In Motion"</span></b></a> with another friend.</div>
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"Bond In Motion" is basically the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles.</div>
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This white one here converts from a car to a sub. How cool is that?</div>
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This Rolls Royce is huge!</div>
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The seats look very comfortable too. I would be fearless driving this in London.</div>
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My final stop of the day: Tate Britian for the <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nick Waplington Alexander McQueen Working Process</span></b></a> exhibition! </div>
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No photography inside the exhibition.</div>
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I am not sure if this is worth going, but I definitely got touched by how this is one of the last extraordinary moments of McQueen.</div>
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After the exhibition and other parts of Tate Britain, I couldn't feel my legs anymore.</div>
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I have never been to so many museums/exhibitions in one day.</div>
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What an educational day right?</div>
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Though I am a much more outdoorsy person, I've enjoyed today's museum adventures!</div>
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Until next weekend! (It's long weekend!)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-89090785367278394352015-05-02T15:48:00.002-07:002015-05-02T15:50:08.886-07:00[Germany] Courtyard Marriott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am very picky when it comes to accommodations, especially when travelling solo.</div>
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Safety is my number one priority. Then comes cleanliness.</div>
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In some European cities, a decent hotel room isn't that much more expensive than a private room in a hostel.</div>
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This time in Cologne, I stayed at the <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cgncy-courtyard-cologne/" target="_blank">Courtyard Marriott.</a></span></b></div>
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From the airport, hop on the S13 train for 15 minutes and get off at the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;">Köln </span></span>Hbf.</div>
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The walk is then about 10 minutes.</div>
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For some reason, Google map guided me to get off at the station (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; white-space: nowrap;">Köln Hansaring) </span>after <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;">Köln </span>Hbf.</div>
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It made no difference because the walk is still 10 minutes or so.</div>
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I really liked the front desk service and the room.</div>
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Cleanliness was also good: 8.5/10.</div>
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I deducted points off the bedding because the sheets were not soft enough nor pure-white clean.</div>
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My backpack fit in nicely with the room decor.</div>
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These windows <3</div>
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There wasn't much of a view, but getting so much light into the room was a bonus!</div>
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My room was on the third floor. I think the highest level is either the fifth or sixth.</div>
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Modern bathroom design - oh, how I loved this!</div>
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The shower was strong enough (you can adjust the water pressure).</div>
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Yes! A large full-body mirror.</div>
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Best way to check if you look okay for the day of travel.</div>
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Room temperature was also easily adjustable.</div>
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(Super important for me as I normally turn up the heat.)</div>
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I miss Asian hotels where they provide more toiletries and most importantly, slippers!<br />
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I find hotels in Germany are newer and cleaner at a better rate, at least compared to Paris and London.</div>
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The only problem was the hotel didn't offer free in-room WiFi, but only in public areas.</div>
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You could choose to buy internet service in room and pay in cash when checking out.</div>
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It was a nice stay and I would definitely look into the Marriott chain more going forward.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Courtyard Cologne - Marriott Hotels50.948533 6.958765699999958125.426498499999997 -34.349828300000041 76.4705675 48.267359699999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-31045195145725619422015-04-28T15:59:00.003-07:002015-04-28T15:59:46.663-07:00[Germany] Heerstraße's Cherry Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Weibo, Chinese Twitter, has a gazillion photos of beautiful places.</div>
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The exactly locations of these photos are <i>rarely</i> marked.</div>
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Finding Heerstraße (pronounced Heerstrasse) was not an easy task, but I did!</div>
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This place is so beautiful it's almost unreal!</div>
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(I forgot to breathe for the longest time while I stood at the entrance to Heerstraße.)</div>
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A good morning from Bonn!</div>
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It was not exactly early morning, but I could barely open my eyes.<br />(I flown in around 10pm the night before.)</div>
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It was a very rainy Saturday too.</div>
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Always travel with style, right?</div>
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The top right photo I definitely saw on Weibo in 2012.</div>
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There were a couple more, and they all looked as beautiful as ever.</div>
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Heerstraße - my dream come true.</div>
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The moment I saw the street, I screamed with excitement inside my head.</div>
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This place was absolutely STUNNING!</div>
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Words don't do it justice. </div>
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I have to say, this passerby took pretty awesome photos of me and the cherry blossoms.</div>
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He was very patient to make sure the photos looked good, while his girlfriend was standing on the side waiting patiently. </div>
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Such wonderful people :)</div>
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Half way through, it started pouring rain.</div>
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I ran into a nearby cafe...</div>
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and ordered a croissant and a pot of China Rose.</div>
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Just look at how a simple croissant and tea turned into a full blown afternoon tea!</div>
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What a cute little store!</div>
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They have free Wi-Fi too.</div>
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After a 30-minute break, I headed back out to take more photos.</div>
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Eventually I decided it was time to go.</div>
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When I passed by the next street, it was just as beautiful as Heerstraße.</div>
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(But it wasn't as long a street.)</div>
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It was not easy taking photos at Heerstraße.</div>
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There were quite a lot of people and cars were constantly driving through (one way traffic).</div>
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When it was time to head to the airport, I hopped onto the SB60 from Bonn Hbf.</div>
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It cost about €8 and 30 minutes to get to the airport.</div>
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The sun decided to make it out so it can set lol.</div>
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I might as well enjoy it while waiting for my flight back to London Stansted.</div>
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Taking the bus is a cheaper way, than the train, to go from Stansted to the city and vice versa.</div>
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I recommend the <a href="http://www.stanstedairport.com/to-and-from-the-airport/coach/national-express-coaches/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">National Express bus</span></b></a>, not the <a href="http://www.terravision.eu/airport_transfer/bus-stansted-airport-london/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Terravision bus.</span></b></a></div>
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Yes, National Express is little more expensive, but it is much cleaner, has better service, bigger seats and more stop options.</div>
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I am so happy I went to Heerstraße at the right time.</div>
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I checked Tripadvisor's blog on Heerstraße for a couple weeks before booking my tickets.</div>
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For 2015, the Heerstraße's cherry blossoms fully bloomed around April 19 and they should last for about two weeks, depending on the weather.</div>
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I based my decision on the 2014 forum, so I think towards late April would be a safe bet to see these beauties.</div>
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Next up: my Cologne accommodation!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Heerstraße, 53111 Bonn, Germany50.7387013 7.091520100000025250.7286523 7.071350100000025 50.748750300000005 7.1116901000000254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-69303814467694831832015-04-26T14:33:00.003-07:002015-04-26T14:45:23.942-07:00[Germany] The Cologne Cathedral & Beethoven's Birthplace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before I dive into the cherry blossoms, here are some attractions that are beautiful year-round.</div>
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It takes about one hour to fly from London to the Cologne Bonn Airport.</div>
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(I later realize the airport is named so because it's located in between the two cities.)</div>
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Cologne, or <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Köln, is the fourth largest city in Germany.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">One of the city's most famous attractions is precisely the Cologne Cathedral, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=19167&L=1" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Köln Dom.</span></b></a></span></div>
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The Cathedral is listed as one of the World Heritage sites.</div>
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It is of Gothic architecture. Impressive eh?</div>
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The ceiling is unreachable!</div>
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Where the Cathedral is situated today, has been home to several of its predecessor-churches.</div>
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You can find out more of its history <a href="http://koelner-dom.de/index.php?id=geschichte&L=1" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">here</span></b></a> (goes all the way back to the 1170s).</div>
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There were so many tourists, but I found it MUCH easier to navigate through than in the British Museum.</div>
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It could be due to the larger space of the Cathedral, or that the British Museum is just way too popular.</div>
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Those are nine baroque tapestries, designed by Peter Paul Rubens, hanging inside.</div>
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They depict the "Triumph of the Eucharist."</div>
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What is that? Good question, I have no idea so I've looked it up on <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Peter_Paul_Rubens/Tapestry_designs#Eucharist_series" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wikimedia.</span></b></a></div>
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After viewing the most central part of the Cathedral (above photo), I made my way to the basement.</div>
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The basement is incredibly small and there aren't much to see.</div>
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I made my way back up the stairs after about 15 minutes.</div>
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It was such a rainy day after weeks of sunshine!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Köln Dom stands as impressive as ever regardless.</span></div>
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Located just minutes away from the <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Köln Dom, here is the Hohenzollern Love Bridge!</span></div>
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Doesn't look like much during day time, it is AMAZEBALLS at night.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(image source: http://all4desktop.com/data_images/original/4204850-cathedral-hohenzollern-bridge-germany-normal.jpg)</span></i><br />
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Thousands of love locks on both sides of the bridge.</div>
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It accepts all kinds of locks...whatever you find necessary.</div>
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On my way back to <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Köln train station to Bonn!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">I saw many police enroute, probably a couple hundred (there was a game or something).</span></div>
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Beautiful lighting under the bridge!</div>
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It was around 1pm and I hadn't ate since 6pm the previous night.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Köln Hbf (city centre) station.</span></div>
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When in Germany, you can't miss currywurst!<br />
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It's made of German sausages, a lot of Heinz ketchup and curry powder.<br />
It's a popular German fast food.<br />
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During Christmas times, London's Christmas markets would always sell currywurst.</div>
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In Bonn, I have arrived at <a href="http://www.beethoven-haus-bonn.de/sixcms/detail.php?id=39045&template=&_mid=39045" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beethoven's birthplace!</span></b></a></div>
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Growing up playing some of his pieces, I just cannot NOT visit!</div>
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It was <i>fascinating</i> seeing some of the original scores and the antique pianos.</div>
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After pay<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">€6, I put my bag in the locker (</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">€1, but you get it back when you take your things).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Inside the house, photography is not allowed, but it is okay in the gardens.</span></div>
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The floors squeak so badly, but the house is quite big.</div>
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(It is definitely more spacious than <a href="http://mtravelslondon.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/anne-boleyns-childhood-residence-hever.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anne Boleyn's childhood home, the Hever Castle.</span></b></a>)</div>
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<br />
I met quite a few interesting people on my trip this time.<br />
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A Malaysian family, who lives in England, kept chatting with me before boarding the plane.<br />
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On the train from Cologne to Bonn, I met an app tester from LG India.<br />
He was travelling all over Germany for his business trip.<br />
For the first time in his 10 years with LG, the company sent him to Europe.<br />
He told me during his business trip to Seoul, the company provided meals are all Indian food. Funny guy!<br />
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Travelling solo becomes easier and more enjoyable as I gain the experience.<br />
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Next in the blog: cherry blossoms. Stay tune!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Cologne, Germany50.937531 6.960278600000037850.6174665 6.314831600000038 51.2575955 7.6057256000000377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-71436128433807470202015-04-22T15:22:00.001-07:002015-04-23T02:17:47.600-07:00Happiness Is As Simple As You Make It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If there are days I will remember, today is definitely one of those.</div>
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Why?</div>
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Well, because it's a "normal day."</div>
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As I age, I begin to appreciate a normal day where everything go according to plan.</div>
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(But, I will not let ageing get the better of me!)</div>
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After work, I dropped by <a href="http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/ye-olde-london-the-city/s5568/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ye Olde London</span></b></a> to watch some colleagues play pool for charity.<br />
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English pool tables are a smaller size compared to the North American pool tables.</div>
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You only get four colours: white, black, red and yellow.</div>
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One person only hit the red balls in, and the other yellow balls.</div>
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The black continues to be the last you target.</div>
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Such an old fashion English style of decor. I love it!</div>
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I headed to the <a href="http://www.londonmillenniumbridge.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Millennium Bridge</span></b></a> after.</div>
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Not forgetting to turn around and snap a photo of the gorgeous <a href="https://www.stpauls.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">St. Paul's Cathedral</span></b></a> painted orange by the sun. </div>
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Breathtaking huh?</div>
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I have secretly saved this image in my mind.</div>
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Very windy and chilly! I wore too little. </div>
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After almost two weeks of sunshine, London will revert back to its gloomy rain style.</div>
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Reminds me of my diet: after living healthy for two weeks, I revert back to my original diet (which is no diet, just "I see I eat")...</div>
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While I am around the area, I've decided to walk to the London Bridge station and hop onto a train there.</div>
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Mid-week of one of the many weeks I have been in this city.</div>
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This time, I actually know my way around!</div>
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If you have dreams, it's never too late to pursue.</div>
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Live life with no regrets.</div>
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Oh, and happy Earth day!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Millennium Bridge, London51.4687794 -0.2191319999999450451.463833900000004 -0.22921699999994505 51.4737249 -0.20904699999994503tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-23020016991068789632015-04-18T16:08:00.001-07:002015-04-20T01:10:38.876-07:00Shakespeare of Stratford-Upon-Avon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ah, <a href="http://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/attractions/shakespeares-birthplace" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">William Shakespeare's birthplace</span></b></a> - I simply cannot miss this visit living in London.</div>
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Early morning, I boarded the train to Dorridge and transferred to the <a href="http://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stratford-Upon-Avon</span></b></a> train from there.</div>
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(It's faster to transfer than to take a direct train.)</div>
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The trip duration was just a little over two hours.</div>
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This is very friendly.</div>
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If only I could still play as good as I did before!</div>
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The train this time was relatively new and seemed more high tech.</div>
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(Free wifi with registration and power outlet)</div>
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Some passengers were simply chatting too loud and too much...</div>
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One older gentleman talked continuously for like an hour. </div>
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I couldn't take it anymore and moved spots, only to be near two girls who were doing the same lol</div>
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Beautiful weather and a grateful me.</div>
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Arrived at the city centre, which was just a 15-minute walk from the train station.</div>
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I had to look for food first.</div>
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"Lambs of Sheep Street" has one of the highest ratings on Google, so here I was!</div>
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<b>Slow-roasted Lamb Shank £16.75</b></div>
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<i>with creamed potato, vine tomatoes and rosemary jus</i></div>
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I don't really eat lamb, but it was a cold windy day.</div>
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On my way here and back, I saw many sheep in the fields and thought they looked super cute.</div>
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Then I felt very complicated having ate lamb for lunch... </div>
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In the city centre, there was a big open green space for people to chill. </div>
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This canal runs along side that space.</div>
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There were many food trucks and boats selling snacks and drinks.</div>
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Many people were eating ice cream.</div>
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I don't know how they do it, because it was a little chilly today >_<</div>
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But later, I bought the Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry too hahaha!</div>
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<a href="http://www.rsc.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Royal Shakespeare Company.</span></b></a></div>
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Inside there're the Royal Shakespearean Theatre and the Swan Theatre.</div>
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("Death of a Salesman" was on, but having read the play and watched the movie, I decided to pass.)</div>
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Just makes you want to rent a boat and row, no?</div>
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The colours of spring :)</div>
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The <a href="http://www.stratford-upon-avon.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Holy Trinity Church</span></b></a>, where Shakespeare's grave is.</div>
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At the end there lies his grave.</div>
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Shakespeare's daughter and her husband's home.</div>
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Peter the Rabbit! </div>
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It was adorable to see that he has an official store!</div>
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See how windy it was?</div>
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The entrance to Shakespeare's birthplace.</div>
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His birthplace. </div>
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I didn't have enough time to go in for a proper tour.</div>
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This private market made me thought of Cirque du Soleil (hint: the tarps).</div>
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3:37pm, I hopped onto the returning train.</div>
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Tired, but not hungry.</div>
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The train back was a direct one and it took a little more than two hours.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've noticed that the train conductors often apologize for running one or two minutes late.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They also give the reason(s) and the cause(s) for delays. How thoughtful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stratford-Upon-Avon is a gorgeous little town worth visiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next weekend I'm travelling out of the UK!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't do that too often because it's a hassle getting to the airport and having to pack.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK52.157278 -1.734358199999974251.845738499999996 -2.3798051999999741 52.4688175 -1.0889111999999743tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2454991638636386909.post-81915728483149767582015-04-17T16:45:00.000-07:002015-04-18T16:09:23.395-07:00British Library, St. Pancras & King's Cross (Blimey, Harry Potter?!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last November, I announced that I will be relocating to London.</div>
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Actually at that point, I wasn't even sure if my visa application would be approved.</div>
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I just assumed it would. </div>
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Sometimes I think courage and risk-taking are only divided by a fine line.</div>
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Since then, it has been 4.5 months.</div>
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I've told my mom I feel only bliss and luckiness in life now.</div>
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For today's blog, I want to introduce you to the St. Pancras/King's Cross area - starting with the <a href="http://www.bl.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">British Library.</span></b></a></div>
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The exhibition on right now: Magna Carta</div>
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What is it?</div>
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Here is a brief description I took from the <a href="http://www.bl.uk/magna-carta/videos/what-is-magna-carta" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">official website.</span></b></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Let us take you back to medieval England. It’s the year 1215, and the ruler is King John. Many people believe that King John was one of the worst kings in history. He imprisoned his former wife; he starved his opponents to death; he allegedly murdered his own nephew, and pulled the beards of the Irish Chiefs.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">King John had imposed heavy taxes on his barons in order to pay for his expensive foreign wars. If they refused to pay, he punished them severely or seized their property. The barons demanded that King John obey the law; when he refused, they captured London and John was forced to negotiate.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">The two sides met at Runnymede in June 1215. The result of the negotiations was written down by the king’s clerks in the document we know as Magna Carta. Although most of the charter’s clauses dealt with medieval rights and customs, Magna Carta has become a powerful symbol of liberty around the world.</span></i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OB5lKVXVx6o/VTGO8bwl-rI/AAAAAAAACKE/t5lXeAQzv4k/s1600/Photo%2B2015-04-14%2C%2B6%2B11%2B55%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OB5lKVXVx6o/VTGO8bwl-rI/AAAAAAAACKE/t5lXeAQzv4k/s1600/Photo%2B2015-04-14%2C%2B6%2B11%2B55%2BPM.jpg" /></a></div>
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The main entrance - not the most extravagant.</div>
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I guess you can say it's a down to earth kinda library.</div>
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This bookcase is probably my favourite part of the whole library.</div>
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Almost right opposite of the British Library, there is the <a href="http://stpancras.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">St. Pancras International Station.</span></b></a></div>
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Passing through St. Pancras, you'll see <a href="http://www.networkrail.co.uk/london-kings-cross-station/departures-arrivals/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">King's Cross</span></b></a> right on the other side.</div>
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Platform 9 3/4 is not inside the real platforms.</div>
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Instead, it's to the left of the schedule displays.</div>
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(I remember when I was here in 2012, the trolley was empty.)</div>
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To the left of Platform 9 3/4, you can visit the merchandise store.</div>
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I find the quality of the items in this store trumps the Warner Bros' Studio's and Oxford University gift store's.</div>
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If you are not in a rush, look up!</div>
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In 2012, I did ask one of the station staff "Excuse me, where is Platform 9 3/4?"</div>
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Trust me, it sounded more stupid than I imagined.</div>
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I couldn't understand why so many people stand around, staring at the screens.</div>
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Later when I was doing that, I realized we were all waiting for platform number announcements.</div>
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The real platforms. The ones HP filmed on definitely seemed longer!<br />
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Wicked photo with a moving person while I do my pano shot.</div>
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It was a beautiful and warm day.</div>
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I had to selfie before dashing to Hyde Park for an evening walk :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15878297742388546850noreply@blogger.com0St Pancras International, Kings Cross, London N1C, UK51.53197 -0.1266299999999773726.0099355 -41.435223999999977 77.0540045 41.181964000000022