Originally, Hungary was not part of the plan. We’re suppose to just go straight from Prague to Vienna. But then my hubby “challenged” me to realize my wish list of writing my own travel book. Well, in order to do that, I need another Eastern Europe countries on my repertoire. So, challenge accepted! It was exactly 10 days before we left for Europe, and I thought I’m going mad. I’m not really someone who likes changing plans especially last minute. I threw the idea to M just to see how he feels about it. Especially because we already bought our discounted bus ticket to Vienna . I was ready to hear him saying I’m out of my mind. But surprisingly he was very supportive about it . Yayyy! And that last minute addition apparently works well, ... read more

(Dec 2011) I was sitting in a bus from Rotorua to Auckland, New Zealand. It’s going to be somewhat 5 hours journey. To kill time, I opened my e-book and started to flicker my travel books collection. I stumble upon Prague and started to read. Me: (talking to myself) I wish I could go there one day…. M: (looking over my shoulder) “Yeah, my professor also said that Prague is very beautiful. He said I should visit it someday.” Me: Yeah, well easy for you – you’ll have your Australian passport soon. Me on the other hand, my Schengen visa got rejected before. I dunno when I can go to Europe. M: Well, you’ll never know e? I said nothing and just shrug my shoulder. I just don’t see how I could possibly go to Prague. ... read more

I didn’t get a good night sleep last night. The fire alarms rang twice in the middle of the night. Each time in rang, it lasted for around 30-40 mins each. This “interesting” no-man Omena hotel relies on their automated fire alarm to call the fire brigade if there’s any trouble. So every time some guests in other room smartly smokes inside the room, it will trigger the fire alarm which rang INSIDE every room. Gah. Read my full review url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189852-d2453039-r141513616-Omena_Hotel_Stockholm-Stockholm.htmlHERE. But nevertheless, it doesn’t damper my spirit to explore Stockholm. So Stockholm day 2, here we go! Today I have a full schedule. And I’m trying to pack as much as possible before the rain falls mid day (as per the weather forecast). I walked to Stadthuset building, it’s some sort of their city hall. ... read more

OMG, I feel a bit guilty for neglecting my own travel blog half way through. But I have a very good reason (or so I told myself that). I’m going to UK in several weeks from now! It wasn’t really part of my travel master plan, so I’m scrambling to develop itinerary, make all the bookings, etc for a place I’m not prepared to go to. And in all honesty, I never thought in a million years that I would be back to Europe just 3 months shortly after I just got back. But I guess that’s life, full of surprises. I “accidentally” found a cheap return flight for year end, London is well known for its extravagant fireworks party, my visa was approved, my brother is currently studying in Manchester, so I guess I’m going ... read more

Last year I lost a bet in NZ. Against all odds, it was bright blue sunny day in Milford Sound – one of fjord in NZ. Since then I’m “allegedly” a lucky person when it comes to vacation. Secretly, I kinda started to believe that. It was rainy for 5 days in Istanbul – there was only 1 sunny day – which was the day where I visited the tulip park that I’ve anticipated so much. It was rainy for 2 days in Furano Hokkaido, except for 1 day where I went lavender fields hopping. And it was sunshine all the way – in the South Island NZ for at least 7 straight days. So no wonder that for this trip, I secretly banking on my “alleged” luck. I know that Geiranger had 85% chance of ... read more