Feeling wonderful in Paris & London

We normally travel with the kids but this time it was my hubby's business trip and I got to tag along. I felt a heavy heart to leave my two teen boys behind till the extent of not able to feel excitement for this trip. But I was lucky that my mom had volunteered to stay over at my place to oversee them.  I had a live in indonesian maid.

On 20 March 2014, we took the 11.55 pm flight out to Paris, embarking on our 11 days 9 nights trip to Paris & London. However, the MH flight was delayed for half hour.  An hour after took off, we were served meal, gosh at say 1.40 am we were having our supper!  This flight took 12 hours to reach Paris so we were provided with 2 meals and 1 snacks.  The other meal was only served 2 hours before our flight going to touch down Paris airport.  

I was able to watched three (3) in flight movies on board.

We took a cab to Kyriad Paris Hotel situated at Gare du Nord upon arrival which cost us Euro 70 for the four of us, hubby's business partner and wife.

Ignoring the feel of jet lag, as we were early and not able to check in yet, we left our luggage and then hop onto to Paris L'Open Hop on Hop Off bus which stop located at the street behind the hotel, touring the yellow line areas. After we finished, we went back to our hotel for check in and rested for half an hour before we went for lunch at Cafe Du Nord nearby.  Then off we went again onto the bus yellow line and changed to green line to Eiffel Tower. We adjourned at Eiffel Tower and took lots of photo.  The queue was long to go up the tower so we skipped. We managed to get back the bus back to hotel and have dinner in Jumbo Chinese Restaurant, the food 5/10. 


Eiffel Tower

The hotel though small but clean and comfortable and just a mere 3 minutes walking distance to the train station. It was Euro 99 per room per night.  The Hop on Hop Off tour coach was Euro 36 per pax for 2 day pass.

The next morning, after breakfast at Paris Nord Cafe, we went to green line routes. The first stop was iconic Lourve where one of the attraction was the exhibit of the Da Vinci painting of Mona Lisa. The entrance ticket cost Euro 12 per person.  We then proceeded to Lover's Bridge aka romantic chain bridge Pont des Arts.  We saw lots of couples there and also two guys kissing!
 

Lourve

We went shopping at Champs Elyssess Avenue where you could get all the branded stuff, bought bags at the largest LV Boutique which showcase latest collection of LV mechandise and also visited the Arc De Trompe.    You may stop at 12 or 11 of green route for Champs Elyssess Avenue.  Lunch was at a Belgium Restaurant, Leon de Bruxelles, same street at LV Boutique, famous for their fresh mussels. We went onto Eiffle Tower, last stop back to yellow line stop 58 at Lafayette, Asians friendly shopping centre, what else, of course more shopping.

Nothing much for blue and orange routes except that orange line could bring you to Chinatown.  Attractions that we missed out as we could not resist more shopping were Basilique and the red light district at stop 52 and 51 respectively.  At Basilique, you need to walk uphill so that u could get a hill view of the entire Paris city.  As for the red light district, the famous landmark was the Moulin Rouge Windmill which we saw but did not make a stop.


The freshness of Mussels at Leon de Bruxelles

It was just a short stay at Paris, we will be back!

On third day, we intended to visit Marche Saint Quentin and while waited for its opening, we went for morning breakfast at McD.  After the visit, we checked out from our hotel and went for our check in to depart for London on Eurostar train. Ticket cost Euro 76 + Euro 2 booking fee per pax. Train departed from Paris Gare du Nord at 11.07 am and arrived London St-Pancras at 12.30 pm. 

Our hotel was Hampton by HIlton London Waterloo situated at Waterloo Road.  The room cost us £126.65 per room per night.  We bought the oyster card with £10 credit and £5 as deposit as we intended to take tube to hotel. We went for Victoria line towards Brixton direction, southward bound. Then changed at Waren Street to Northern line southward bound to Waterloo. Hubby's another business partner with his wife and son were already there in Hampton Hotel but were not able to check in first since we were early, so off we went to Chinatown for lunch.  After lunch, we visited Big Ben Tower Clock, London Eye and then went shopping at Oxford street before dinner at Goldmine Restaurant at Queensway, a chinese restaurant owned by Malaysian Ipoh Chef.  The food was real good and we met up with a relative of hubby's business partner, a student in London.




London Eye

Next morning, our rented 9 seater van was sent to our hotel. For 2 days rental cost us £330.93 with the 7 of us so it was £47.30 pound per person.  First stop was Stonehenge - a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, about 2 miles west of Amesbury and 8 mies north of Salisbury.  One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. You need to purchase ticket to view the area which cost £14.90 per adult.  It was free last 3 years when our friend was there.

Then we travelled to Bath, a city in the ceremonial county of Somerset in Southwest England, Castle Combe, a small village in Wiltshire, England and the beautiful Bourton-on-the Water - a village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England that lies on a wideflat vale within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding natural beauty.  Bourton-on-the Water was the place that my hubby been to years back and had been wanting to bring me here.




Bath

Castle Combe

Cotswold Gateway Hotel




After a long day journey, we put a night at Cotwold Gateway Hotel at Cheltenham Road, Burford. Burford is a small town on te River WIndrush in the Cotsworld hills in West Oxfordshire, England. It cost us £85 per room per night stay inclusive of buffet breakfast which was very good.  We had our dinner at one of the chinese restaurant nearby but the food I would rate 4/10.

The next morning after our morning breakfast, we bid goodbye to this little English hotel and went to Oxford.  We wanted to visit the production process of Mini Plant in Oxford but since it was full and without booking, we only managed to visit its exhibition area of various models of Mini Cooper.

 

Shopping at this store in Oxf

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Then off we went to UK Bicester Factory Outlet for branded stuff shopping, cheaper here but not the latest stuff and light lunch before we return back to London.  The four of us checked in back to Hampton by Hilton Hotel whereas the other three checked into another hotel which was a complimentary stay.

The next day, after our breakfast, we travelled by DLR train to ExCel London for IPEX 2014 exhibition.  After that, we went back to hotel to put materials collected from the exhibition prior to our lunch at Chinatown and more shopping at Oxford street.

One of the booth at ExCel London

After some light meal, we wet for Mamma Mia at Novello Theatre.  We had our seat at Grand Circle which cost £50 per person.  The performance was good.

The next morning, our meeting point was Waterloo & City line of Waterloo station. We visited Tower Bridge aka London Bridge, then to St Paul's Cathedral.
 

Tower Bridge

We had lunch appointment at Chinatown with our niece who had settled down in Cambridge and nephew's girlfriend who was studying music there too.  We then proceed to Harrods for more shopping and we excused ourselves as our niece wanted to take us for English afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason.  Our niece recommended TK Maxx, a cheaper priced shopping store. As for dinner, this time we tried szechuan food in China town and met up with one of the relative of hubby's another business partner.

On Friday 28 March, we gathered at the Westminister Station's Distric & City Line Westbund platform as we were heading to St James Park for Buckingham Palace and Greenwich. At Buckingham Palace, we managed to view the changing guards which started at 11.30 am. You need to find out the day which they have this changing guards because they dont have it everyday.

We had another round of mussels at Leon de Bruxelles before our Michael Jackson - Thriller Live at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London.  The ticket cost £41.50 per person where the seats were at B2 Dress Circle area. We only had our dinner after the performance, wanted something light such as noodles to share but the waiter at the Chinese Restaurant insisted we must ordered to at least a minimum of £8 per person.





Greenwich - Meridian Line

The next day, after our late breakfast, we checked out from our hotel at 12 noon.  We had a 12 seaters bus to take us to Selhurst Park Stadium to watch the live 3 pm Crystal Palace vs Chelsea football match.  The ticket cost us £131.80 per person, it was indeed a good experience.  After the match, we were sent by our driver to London Heathrow airport for our flight departing to Kuala Lumpur at 10.00 pm via Malaysia Airlines, a 13 hours flight home.

Yes, we did go to its casino in Chinatown and won some money!

Overall, it was a great trip with great companions.





Celebrating New Year 2013

Kicked start the new year with fireworks display at Desa Park City on the strike of the midnight of new year eve and wishing everyone "Happy New Year!", such a wonderful way of welcoming the new year.

The morning of new year, we had pot luck at Taman Jaya Park, Petaling Jaya at 8.30 am with hubby's aunties, uncles, cousins. It was hard to wake up early since we slept at 1.30 am.  Family ties are important so my hubby always ensured our presence in such gathering.

Guessed what, right after we reached home, both of us slept the whole afternoon.  However by 5 pm we were on our way to One Utama after realizing that the next day 2 January 2013 would be the start of school.  We still want to enjoy to the last moment, we window shop and had our dinner at Genki Sushi.

How wonderful if the day was longer!

Bali - Magical Island

We were doubtful each time we wanted to visit Bali as it had been bombed twice in 2002 and 2005. Everyone who visited Bali would say wonderful place. So we finally visited Bali in November 2011 on a 5 days 4 nights free and easy tour.

We were picked up from Denpasar airport by a driver arranged by Tjok Bagus, recommended by one of my Jakarta friend who studied in Bali. And was brought to check in to our Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort & Spa  booked through hotelclub.com.  The beach is just opposite the hotel. It was a relaxing day.
 


Hard Rock Cafe at Jalan Pantai Kuta

The next morning, our driver, Pak Gedek came to pick us for sightseeing.  We stopped at Bagli-Bali for Luwak Coffee which cost Rp60k and Male Coffee Rp30k.  The rental car which came with driver cost Rp275,000 per day.

Coffee

Then we went to Pura Bersakih, the mother temple, entrance fee was Rp50,000. You need to wear a sarong to be able to enter the temple.


Pura Besakih, the mother Temple

Later we had our lunch at Batur Sari Restaurant while enjoying the view of Batur Volcano and panorama of the biggest lake view.

Volcano

On the second day, we went to Tanah Lot, entrance fees cost Rp35,000.

Tanah LotTemple that stand on huge rock in the ocean

We also went to GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Statue, highest in the world and Dreamland beach, a beautiful white sandy beach.

At Uluwatu, holy temple in southern part of Bali we watched Kecak and Fire Dance with beautiful sunset. Tickets for 4 pax to watch the dance cost Rp280,000.



Indian Ocean Spectacular View from Uluwatu



Kecak Dance

Then we went to Jimbaran, famous for its fresh grill seafood, sitting by the beach.  The food here at Aroma Restaurant was excellent.




Grill Seafood dinner at Aroma, Jimbaran Bay

A day before we suppose to leave for home, we enjoyed our day in the hotel and the beach.  My both kids had went for Surfing lesson RP400,000 for 2 person.

We also went shopping at Quick Silver situated at Legian Street, the place where bombing took place in 2002 and visited the Memorial Monument.

Dont forget to try the Babi Guling or Suckling Pig, the famous balinese food.

Bali to me, a magical island as it attracts lots of visitors all over the world especially Australia.













Mom - the pillar of strength

This article is dedicated to my late mother in law who passed away on 26 February 2003 due to advanced carcinoma at the age of 64.

She was suffering from skin cancer diagnosed in June 2002 before she passed away 8 months later, admitted to few hospitals several times and had gone through radiotherapy in Subang Medical Centre.

It was heartbreaking to see her suffering, being a kind and generous person, a good wife, a great mom and granny looking after all her 6 grandsons. His only son, my husband had lost weight tremendously as he was running around, juggling between work and taking his mom to hospital.  It was all upside down as my mom in law was the one who cooked for the family (his three children, 2 daughters and 1 son and their families). My sons were just 6 and 3 years old.  I was working and was not able to take leave all the time.

We actually intended only to get a maid when our bigger house was ready to move in as we were staying with my parents in law in a smaller house.  We had no choice but to quickly get a maid in to look after her and my kids.

Since her passing, his only son had been going the pagoda to pray her every week or at least once a month.  It was a year later that he could at least let go his sadness being very close to his mother.

Till now, we still miss her though 11 years had passed.

My advice, do love your mom dearly when she is still around.

Magnificent View of Halong Bay

It was quite last minute planning as elder son, Sher in SPM year.  So we have actually put all travels/holidays on hold.

My hubby saw the advertisement in newspaper and quickly told me to call up the travel agent regarding Hanoi.  So we were actually the final 5 pax for our group departure during  Raya public holidays.  We departed on 8 August 2013 via Vietnam Airlines.

Ours was 5 days 4 nights Hanoi/Halong Bay/Tam Coc/Van Phuc + overnight on chartered cruise.

Hanoi or Thang Long "ascending dragon" is the Vietnamese capital.  A charming city with old quarter monuments and colonial architecture surrounded by lakes.

Our flight reached airport late night and off we went to the yummylicious Vietnam signature noodle soup before we were checked into our Hotel Crowne Plaza West Hanoi.

The next day we went to Tam Coc - known for Halong Bay on land. We climbed onto the tiny boat for a peaceful river cruise, rowing through a series of interlink caves which was quite a thrill.  We had lunch at a restaurant nearby. And then continued with Bich Dong - standing on the highest temple, you could view the fields and mountain of Tam Coc, State Theater Opera House and Trans Quoc Pagoda.

Rowing boat with legs!

Day 3 we visited Ba Dinh Square - famous square where Ho Chi Minh read the proclamation of independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Residence, Temple of Literature - Vietnam first university was here and One Pillar Pagoda - a historic Buddhist temple.

We then proceeded to Hon Gai Harbour for our 2 days 1 night cruise at Halong Bay. We had our buffet lunch on  board the Pelican cruise. After lunch, we were given our room key.  Great view from our cabin. I could not take my eyes off the view sitting by the window.

At 3 pm, we took a smaller boat to Halong Bay's most famous and one of the largest stalactite cave (Sung Sot Cave) enjoying the unique natural rocks inside the cave. By 6 pm we anchoraged at Tip Top island for a swim.  Dinner was served on cruise.

Before dinner, a small activity was organized where the staff on board taught us how to make Vietnamese Spring roll. We had the spring rolls there and then.  After dinner, you can either choose to watch movie but tell you the television set is so small, enjoy the wind and scenery or go for squid fishing.

 

 

Spectacular views from our room

 

Our room on board Pelican cruise

The next morning we woke up early for tai chi exercise prior to our buffet breakfast. After meal, we explored Luan Cave using rowing boat. We took lots of photo before disembarked back to Hanoi.

Cruising through back to pier

Nighs squid fishing

 

All meals served on the cruise were good.  I have no complaint. In fact all the meals served for this tour were all good.

We went to Hoan Kiem Lake, shopping at 36 Ancient Street and watched water puppet show before our buffet dinner at a large restaurant and we were really hungry by then time we reached the restaurant and buffet is the perfect choice!

Luan Cave

It was indeed a relaxing trip and the most memorable was the magnificent view of Halong Bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast, Australia

Our very first accommodation through RCI vacation.

Ideally located  at central of Gold Coast, Wyndham Surfers Paradise Resort was a lovely place to stay. Only 5 minutes walk to Surfers Paradise Beach.  The Sky Point, located just opposite, a walking distance.  Besides the Resort, there was a chinese restaurant.  Opposite the building, you could see the groceries shop, ice cream cafe and Alfresco Italian Restaurant. 

We had our itinerary prepared by Sammi Low, a lovely and helpful lady of PNL Travel an expert of Australia tour.  She arranged all our admission tickets and booking at O'Reilly Rainforest Resort.

We took Air Asia being a cheaper choice and direct flight, departed Kuala Lumpur on 24 May 2012 at 2125 hours arriving on 25 May 2012 at 0725 hrs.  Picked up our car from Avis Car Rental at the airport and off we went to for breakfast at Point Danger. After we checked into our resort, we had a good rest for the day.  Dinner was at Alfresco Italian Restaurant which I would rate it 8/10.

Point Danger

26 May 2012, the very next morning, we left our resort early to go for Tweed Endeavour Cruise located at Pioneer Park Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads.  We need to arrive at pier 15 minutes before cruise depart at 0900 hours.  GPS was set to Maritime Museum Park Kennedy Drive Tweed Heads.  We enjoyed the cruise, went for yabbies' and crab catching, not forgetting fishing on boat as well. It was such a wonderful morning enjoying ourselves. Lunch was served with fresh seafood cooked on board.  

After the cruise, we proceeded to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where we could cuddle the koalas, feed the kangaroos, watch the sheep shearing and my two sons enjoyed themselves on the giant flying fox.

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Catching Yabbies

Adventurous

Koala

27 May 2012, we drove an hour drive south of Gold Coast, approximately 90km, perfect for a day trip to Byron Bay for its Sunday market, had lunch at Fish Head Restaurant, famous for its fish and chips and visited Byron Bay beach and its beautiful Cape Byron lighthouse which was built in 1901.  Cape Bryon is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.
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Light House at Byron

28 May 2012, we went up to Sky Point first thing in the morning, spectacular 360 degree view from the observation deck located on the 77^th Floor.  We spent about 2 hours there before we drove to Dream World, Australia biggest themed park for family fun, thrill rides, entertainment and shows.   

View from SkyPoint

Exciting rides at Dream World

 
 



29 May 2012, we drove to O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat situated at Lamington National Park.. The 69 km journey approximately took us 1 hour 20 mins.  En-route, we stopped at Mount Tamborine Skywalk, explored its beautiful rainforest canopies and also had wine tasting at Mount Nathan Winery, where we bought two bottles of wine, had lunch at a North Indian cuisine at Mount Tamborine. Till now, we still miss the food at that restaurant but I couldn’t recall its name.   
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Great wines here at Mount Nathan Winery

We were worried as we went into a forest but no sign of the resort and it was deeper into the rainforest.  We were served afternoon tea upon arrival with some pastries and scones.  We checked into our Mountain View Room which inclusive of breakfast.  Later after dinner, we went for guided glow worm tour. The next day we encountered lots of colorful birds there and you may go for guided early morning walk. 

Birds everywhere!

The next morning, birds flew to our balcony and my kids were busy feeding the birds.  We also we encountered the beautiful sights of plenty colourful birds near the reception area.  You may also go for guided early morning walk on the walking trails, enjoying the breath-taking views and fresh mountain air. 

30 May 2012, as we only booked a night, we left O Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat with a heavy heart and hope to return one day with longer stay. After checking out, we did not travel back to Gold Coast; instead we drove to Brisbane, exploring this capital city of Queensland which took us about an hour drive there.   We tried out the Wasdee Thai Restaurant at Surfers Paradise Blvd for dinner that night, I rated it 5/10.

Brisbane

            


31 May 2012, on our last day we went to Sea World, a marine mammal park, oceanarium and theme park enjoying the various shows and having a great time there. On the way back to our resort, we dropped by Harbour town for groceries shopping to cook our own dinner.

Enjoying various shows at Sea World

1 June 2012,  our flight home via Air Asia departed Gold Coast at 0900 hours. Overall, a great self-drive experienced exploring Gold Coast and enjoying ourselves tremendously over the 8 days 7 nights there!  Gold Coast is indeed a recommended place for family fun.

The places we explored

On another notes, the fuel here was AUD1.519 for unleaded 91.