Whole world is now talking about H1N1, and that of course, non-essential travel is to be discouraged. But no matter what's happening, the world is still calling, especially for this cool and chic summer! Sweet of all!!!
Bali, the place that I chose to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle on the weekend, four days three nights, allowed me to spoil myself with a brief retreat to a luxe hideaway!
Turtle Island, just like a small little zoo at Bali.
GWK (Culture Park), the highest statue in Bali
Uluwatu, the nice view of Indian ocean
Kecak Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance, the Ramayana story performs as Hindu version of Romeo and Juliet but happy ending. Many half-naked men form a circle crying out loud "cak cak cak..."
Parasailing
Flying Fish
Rolling Donnut
Bali is surrounded by white sand beaches and blue ocean. Sea sports at Batara had totally given me an exhilarating and thrilling experience for a lifetime memory! Was fun, really!
Tanah Lot, Peace of Land
A very glam and glorious day at the beach!
Tanah Lot, the spectacular temple which built on the top of rock in the sea with its great place to see sunset!
Wonders for both body and soul!
magnificent views of mount Batur and Lake Batur
Kintamani
Bali Coffee
Luwak Coffee From Bali coffee, Hot Cocoa, Ginseng Coffee, Ginger Tea to Lemon Grass Tea
Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave Temple
Cool Breeze...
See! There is an fantabulous choice of things to do at Bali, Indonesia!
Nothing much to do at Houston but shopping at the Galleria just opposite the hotel. The mall is so huge. Very convenient! I believe, where there is demand, there is supply! Travelers throughout the world, especially those US's visitors, not only buy local souvenirs but also world brands which, with effects of globalization can be now found in many places around the globe at the same time. And as long as you are a visitor with reference abroad of any nationalities, you are entitled to get your tax refund for purchase made during your stay. As I looked out on local brands stuff and got them with affordable price fortunately, in the event of clearance sales were going on. Not loads of damage but quite satisfied with my hunting!
Moscow, the largest city of Russia! Moscow is a major economic centre and is home to one of the largest numbers of billionaires in the world! And, Moscow was named the world’s most expensive city for foreign employees for the third year in a row in 2008. Indeed, the living costs in Moscow could reach to the highest! I could tell from my expenses spending on food during my stay! The weather in Moscow is rather unstable, and the weather forecast service is the most common object for jokes. Winter kills! Imagine minus 36 degree celsius... No joke! Thanks god, good weather throughout my stay!
I was blessed for having Ferrinna, a Malaysian. I’ve got to know her sister Priscilla, who is currently studying and doing her seventh year of medication studies at Moscow. They brought Sarah and I to a walk at Red Square. We then met up with a Russian, Lily, a student of Priscillia as she gives English lessons to some locals at Moscow as her part time job. Lily is a nice and sweet Russian girl I would say. She patiently explained and told us about the history and the culture of Russia. Priscilla and Lily then brought us to a Russian Café as well. What a good experience we had at Moscow!
Museum charting the development of Russian civilization from Kievan Rus to the present day, housed in a magnificent dark redbrick building covered in ornate turrets and pinnacles, which was built in the 1870s and officially opened by Tsar Alexander III.
Elegant turn-of-the century shopping mall, combining elements of Russian medieval ecclesiastical architecture and an elegant steel framework and glass roof, and today filled with elegant boutiques and designer stores aimed at Moscow's nouveau riches.
Still the resting place of the embalmed body of the founder of Soviet Communism some 76 years after his death, housed in a futuristic granite-cube building designed by Shchusev that stands on Red Square next to the Kremlin walls.
Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow
St. Basil's Cathedral
Ferinna, Annie & Sarah
Lily, explaining the history of the church at Russia
Standby duty is always unknown. It is either sufficient time will be given or last minutes will be called up to get to the airport. The whole night the whole day I was wondering where could I leave for. I couldn’t believe I was flying to Frankfurt with Alan on board. I’ve been to Frankfurt for wee times. And, I never went for sightseeing! This trip, with the fun of having Alan, we decided to take a train heading to Heidelberg! Yes! It’s finally I had stepped out far from the hotel this time!
Vincent, Annie & Alan in the cable car
We took the train from Frankfurt AM Main to Heidelberg, it took one and a half hour journey and a half-long adventure. We brought and enjoyed our own snack on board while there are a lot of good views along the way!
And here's the Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg)
one glimpse upon one of the hills overlooking the town
the walls with there many archways
Outside the castle is an extensive garden terrace with formal gardens, more great views and water features. All in all it was a good journey. We got some great pictures and had a good experience walking from the castle down into the small, quaint streets of Heidelberg.
It is a great old city below the castle, and be sure to visit the main street which is a pedestrian mall, populated by shops, cafes, and eateries.
the gate at the Heidelberg Bridge
A Singaporean we met on the way we went to the Hedelberg Bridge, Angeline
Istanbul – a treasure of archeological sites and historic monuments and the hub of civilizations standing at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is a HOT city!
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque Istanbul
As I walked into the mosque, I was impressed by the architecture and the calligraphic decoration based on the Arabic script. The outer wall of the mosque seems to be an art installation. This is the place where Muslims have gathered for centuries for the five daily prayers.
To know more about the mosque and ‘What is Islam', www.istanbulmuftulugu.gov.tr
The Bazaar
The Bazaar
Endless stalls line up next to each other, selling mainly small items such as dramatic jewelry, bags, Turkish loincloths, shawls, and souvenirs from classic styles to the season’s latest trends. If you have the patience, you are guaranteed to find something unique that will be treasured forever. I believe that there is a certain sophistication to their products while browsing the bazaar. Thank god, no damage for me in this outing.
Our Lunch for Kebab
Getting around at Istanbul is easy and convenient. We took a cab to Blue Mosque. But I think taxi is not really the fastest because of the traffic. Take the Metro! €1.40 per ride, a token replaces the ticket. Metro currently runs from Maslak to Sishane – connecting the hub of the centre of the city (Taksim) with the financial district (Levent & Maslak).
One note though, purse snatching and pick pocketing are very common. Better still, leave your valuables in the safe box at your room to avoid becoming a target of street crime. Taxis were strictly regulated few years ago and they go by meters, so the drivers are honest.
Topkapi Palace
Terry, Farid and Annie
Annie and Mega, our tour guide
curling narrow street which definitely looks familiar
turkish delight
Before going back to our hotel, we spent some time at Takzim Square. For those seeking a unique shopping experience, the shopping street is happening especially when the sun is shining! Fine dining, crazy shopping or just for a cuppa, this street enough to satisfy as many breaks as you wish! Remembered the Iced latte I had, wow, was simply heavenly!
Whole world is now talking about H1N1, and that of course, non-essential travel is to be discouraged. But no matter what's happening, the world is still calling, especially for this cool and chic summer! Sweet of all!!!
Bali, the place that I chose to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle on the weekend, four days three nights, allowed me to spoil myself with a brief retreat to a luxe hideaway!
Turtle Island, just like a small little zoo at Bali. 
GWK (Culture Park), the highest statue in Bali
Uluwatu, the nice view of Indian ocean
Kecak Dance
Parasailing
Flying Fish 
Rolling Donnut
Tanah Lot, Peace of Land
A very glam and glorious day at the beach!
Wonders for both body and soul!
magnificent views of mount Batur and Lake Batur
Kintamani
Bali Coffee
Luwak Coffee
Goa Gajah, Elephant Cave Temple
Cool Breeze... 
