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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Italian Riviera; Camogli


 There are many small towns along the Italian Riviera, Camogli is just one of it. We have decided to stop by as it's on the way to Cinque Terre. 

 Focaccia is widely available in this region - you'd see this almost every corner of the street.

These towns are just beautiful with different variations of colourful and old buildings...

What a perfect spot for Summer...

 Because it's the region's speciality, we have to try! Well it's not our first time, but because it's a famous thing so we have to try. It's very crispy dough and it's quite oily too. I can have it plain - it's just that good! That crunchy like feeling. Ahhhhh.... And a glass of sparkling wine. 

 So full of energy after all those focaccia!

Me travel buddy! xxx


We could definitely sit here all day!

 Trust me even the sea is worth snapping. Look at those colours!

 I really love Summer in Europe where people would get out of their huts. For the love of sun!

 One morning in Camogli is more than enough - Off to Cinque Terre we go! xxxx

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Friday, May 16, 2014

A Little Something I've Stirred up


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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Pastime



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Monday, January 13, 2014

Genova


 In the previous post, I've said something about Genova. It's just another large city in Italy. I was here twice; first was because it was way more economical to depart from Genova rather than Rome (that's a whole long story which I don't plan to elaborate) plus I go around since I've never been here. Killed two birds with one stone! Second time was en route to Portofino. Both trips are just a one-night-stay thing.

 So I've walked around, back alleys, small lanes, etc. I didn't find anything interesting really. In fact I got lost but managed to find my way out. Asking is always the way to go - although I have to admit people in this city do not really speak English. I was so lucky to meet nice people though they could barely understood what I was trying to convey.

 So I took a bus from the city to visit this place called Boccadasse. I don't even know which bus to take really... I just went on and asked the bus driver if it goes there. Even so, you will have to walk a distance before actually arriving to the place. I had to rely on Google Map to get to the place.

So why all the hassle to Boccadasse?

 Here it is!! Such beauts! I had that wow factor when I saw this. Made my way down for coffee after!

 Too bad I did not bring anything.. Should have gotten my towel or something! Nobody really gives a shit if you go naked by the way.

Another place worth going is the old port. Porto Antico they call it.

 It's such a touristy place, but it's beautiful.

 I couldn't be bothered with whatever historical building... Which was why I did not mention anything about it. If you do like it, go ahead and check out their famous galleries or museums. Don't even talk to me about whatever gallery as I'm not an artistic person. Clearly, I will not appreciate it.

Yup, just pick one I'll give it to you *coughs* (Totally reminded me of a jackass who does that all the friggin time!) 

During summer, I was here for drinks overseeing the port and that sunset view. I came back again the second time (during autumn) but it was closed. Perhaps season does say something.

 Eataly has quite good deals and varieties when it comes to food. It's facing the port so you can't really miss it.

 So I've sat here for sunset. No I don't have some Qi powers to sit on water, just on zoom mode.

 The pictures are rubbish to be honest. It's so different from what you actually see with your eyes.

 Piazza de Ferrari during the day.

 Piazza de Ferrari during the night.

This is a good place to en route to Italian Riviera, Portofino, Cinque Terre or whatever that you want to go to. The place is beautiful, but, it is definitely not really the place I would want to stay for long. There are a couple of beautiful things to see, but that's about it really. It would be good to put a night or two here though. :)

P/S: Do not attempt to drive here if you have never been here before!!! Well even so, if you are not familiar with the road it might drive you crazy. The roads are just so complicated, parking isn't really very convenient either. You'll waste precious time by going round and round and round. Lesson learnt!

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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Italian Riviera; Portofino


 How to get to Portofino from wherever you are? There are several options. It also depends on where you're departing from. As for us,we took a train from Genova to Santa Magherita Ligure. 

 There are two options to get to Portofino from Santa Magherita Ligure. (1) by Ferry, (2) by Bus. Obviously, I would pick the ferry. 

 It's not difficult to find the pier. You can see the pier when you get out of the station. It would be about 8-10 minutes walk depending on your speed.

 I don't remember the price of the tickets, but it didn't cost that much. Perhaps about; about €10 or lesser for a return ticket. Do take note of their timetable too as you wouldn't want to miss the last ferry!

 Everything is Portofino is just expensive. From hotels to luxury goods and food. Food is terribly overpriced? It's the location.

 Though, I have to admit it's a very nice place to chill; some wine and snacks would be good!

 It's just a fishing village with a little harbour, and beautiful sea view? I just get excited over beautiful views. I mean, who doesn't?

 Find the staircase that leads you up to the highest point to capture the picturesque view of the harbour. This was taken halfway through. Careful with the stairs, it was really wet and slippery when we were there.

 So up to the highest point!

 That mandatory "Let's take a picture together!" with my partner in crime ;)

 There are a couple of historical buildings which I was not quite keen in knowing the history of it.

 I don't really see the point of putting a night in this place. It's expensive and half a day would cover it.

 Goodbye!

 We walked around the town for a bit since we were already here anyway. Nothing special, just another typical Italian town.

What's next? Cinque Terre I hope! :) xx

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Iceland


The answer to your questions about Iceland. Ever since I've posted photos of Iceland, I've received a number of messages. It is, by far, the most beautiful place I've ever been to... The place is beautiful, the people are friendly, it's a must visit place if you ask me. So I'm just going to cut it short of what I've done in 4 days (which I felt that was not enough!). 


Day 1

We wanted to go for the hop on and off bus (which is available in most cities), but we only found out later that the bus operates only during summer. You may want to check this site for the dates. So we have decided to walk around by ourselves. 

Hallgrímskirkja - the church of Iceland. 

What is so special? It's not any typical European churches, it looks very much more modern.

Pay a small fee to get to the top of the church for the view of Reykjavik.

 The Northern Lights (also known as Aurora Borealis?) tour. It is about an hour-ish bus ride to, well I don't even know where that is, it's just a field right next to the sea where it is clear enough to see the lights. There are days where there will be no Northern Lights at all - so it depends on the weather and your luck. Guess we were lucky then! :)

 Do bring your tripod. It is quite essential otherwise you would end up like me, using whatever I have in my bag and all sorts of props that is available. Fail! At least I managed to get a few pretty shots too :) No words to describe the lights - it's just amazing.


Day 2


 The Blue Lagoon. What is a Blue Lagoon? It is an outdoor spa. Check the prices here. We paid €35 per person and an extra €5 for the towel. Of course you can go for more luxurious packages which includes face mask, scrub, personal pool, drinks, etc.

 You can still enter if you don't want any spa packages. But then again, why not?!?!?! Go for it!

There are a range of skincare products by Blue Lagoon too - don't forget tax refund forms too. You can get the refund back in the airport just after the security.

 Golden Circle Afternoon - to Gullfoss waterfall. If you're lucky you would see the rainbow over Gullfoss. Unfortunately there was nothing when we were there.

 Then to the little geysir hotsprings where these little holes would erupt. 

 Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik. Beautiful building. Not really a must to see, but if you happen to pass by, why not? :)


Day 3

 Skógafoss waterfall. 

 This is the main highlight of the entire trip to Iceland - Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

 Pick the tour that comes with the boat ride. You may get to see seals too! :)

 These chunks of glaciers come with different colours. The tour guide gave us small bits to try - but I did not try. 

 I don't even need any SLR to capture a picture really. 

 It looks good even with my iPhone camera's quality!! Not that iPhone is good, but the backdrop is. Look at the colours of the glaciers! Mesmerising!

Panoramic shot.

Another waterfall. I'm not sure if it's the same one we went earlier, it was too dark and I was not paying attention. Quality of the picture is rubbish too as I didn't bring a tripod with me and I had to rely of whatever props that I see :(

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Some extras:
  1. The tour guide mentioned something bout swimming in Iceland. It apparently is a popular thing in Iceland to swim outdoor - in public pools. If you have enough time you should check it out!! So cool!
  2. For food that I've had in Iceland check this link :) I have quite a number of pending drafts actually. I'm just going to keep it short on the 'must try list' in Iceland. Popular meat - fish, beef, lamb. Herring is quite popular but I didn't really like it. I went crazy over sushi because Salmon is so fresh! Icelandic lamb soup is the best thing ever to keep you warm! It's quite similar to Chinese ABC soup except it has extra herbs and the meat in the soup is obviously lamb.
  3. For tour packages, check Grayline. Enjoy free WIFI on board too :).

P/S: There are many more photos to it, pictures along the way to the attractions. Too pretty you've got to see it yourself! Enjoy your trip if you're going soon! :)

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