tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35519086679402223562024-03-05T22:44:05.396+08:00Enlighten.In The Name of Allah, Full of Compassion, Ever Compassionate.Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-8640606593949492892019-10-09T17:19:00.000+08:002019-10-09T17:19:34.149+08:00Hong Kong - Day 2 [Dragon's Back Trail & Hong Kong Streets]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Day 2 is when we decided to look for nature. If you search for nature in Hong Kong, no doubt you'll see Dragon's Back trail popped up. </div>
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The trail has a sightseeing platform near the peak that provides spectacular views of southern Hong Kong Island and its shoreline. Right at the trail's end is Big Wave Bay. </div>
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Tips:</div>
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<ul>
<li>We took MRT and a bus to the starting point of the trail. Just follow this Google Maps instruction.</li>
<li>Bring water. Especially if you're going in the summer.</li>
<li>Do not get discouraged at first. The trail is next to the point where it's not-tolerable due to the heat. But it'll get better. Trust me. </li>
<li>End your journey by following the trail to Big Wave Bay. You'll have an opportunity to cool off at the beach - hence, bring some clothes to swim!</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bus route.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting point of your hike. </td></tr>
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At first, the journey was urm... Almost killed all of us. There was no shade, the trail seems like it's going straight into the sun. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, straight into the sun. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">But once you reached the peak, you'll know it's worth it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Shek O Peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIL-EWr1T2YNSszS3ADqRsnIKu4tt1zkVF0eTseFAXBDwuzMQu4zYXMfwWEd8sWmYqM3bdvGLMY2xnYQpR6TbGNjqSk1_4g7Em4S-6_yk9B43Emqlm78bCz-eQAjtEvYogZoDhUgkflsC/s1600/AD645958-65C3-46B6-87BE-081AD2008B80-5720-000003B5EFFB4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIL-EWr1T2YNSszS3ADqRsnIKu4tt1zkVF0eTseFAXBDwuzMQu4zYXMfwWEd8sWmYqM3bdvGLMY2xnYQpR6TbGNjqSk1_4g7Em4S-6_yk9B43Emqlm78bCz-eQAjtEvYogZoDhUgkflsC/s640/AD645958-65C3-46B6-87BE-081AD2008B80-5720-000003B5EFFB4792.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, lesdodis again!</td></tr>
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When you started to descent, it gets superb. The route was shaded all the way and it starts to cool down. </div>
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We finished the whole route in less than 3 hours and decided to head back to our accommodation, shower and find some food. </div>
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Halal restaurants are ample in Tsim Sha Tsui. We had ours at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/swUvK1X2sF6wJvJv6">Ma's Restaurant.</a> Then we decided to explore the Hong Kong streets on foot until night time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's as good as it looks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bustling Hong Kong streets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Generic small shops selling street foods.<br />
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Day 3, coming soon.<br />
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-59681994825937633182019-10-09T16:33:00.000+08:002019-10-09T16:33:13.637+08:00Hong Kong - Day 1 [Choi Hung Estate, Montane Mansion]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl4Cajr0sdGQPsw7NRsCIaFDO9Vlh6fZDwraPQk4SFrpmMupVkmTwn8zBd4ZL4oFNxR7qV0HV-EmhIquCOhppQZDNLFQorteZnlU9AqTqU-q5hqQEnI-k1bdbDekpyfGr_So1NNyuN_Wp/s1600/IMG_4749.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl4Cajr0sdGQPsw7NRsCIaFDO9Vlh6fZDwraPQk4SFrpmMupVkmTwn8zBd4ZL4oFNxR7qV0HV-EmhIquCOhppQZDNLFQorteZnlU9AqTqU-q5hqQEnI-k1bdbDekpyfGr_So1NNyuN_Wp/s640/IMG_4749.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hong Kong, our first whirlwind trip of 2019. It's one of those trips planned last minute like we always do. It was before the protesting, somewhere in April. Hong Kong is unique. Having said so, we did not expect it can offer so much. </div>
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Tips:<br />
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<li>To save ourself from traveling headaches, we booked most of our transportation means from <a href="https://www.klook.com/en-MY/search/?query=Hong%20Kong">Klook.com</a>.</li>
<li>Not a sponsored post, but they do help with us buying our Airport express tickets and the <a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/plan-your-trip/traveller-info/transport/getting-around/octopus-card.jsp">Octopus card</a> (which you will use this everywhere there). </li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octopus card. Get one & use it throughout Hong Kong. Even to the remotest place. </td></tr>
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Day 1 was tame for us. We arrived, checked-in at our accommodation in Tsim Sha Shui, and soon after, we were on foot to find the famous building in the Samsung ad - Choi Hung Estate.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Bb6tebog2YPvfzHg6">From Tsim Sha Tsui, we followed the MRT route by Google Maps </a>. The key is to ask around where is the parking building. Once you found the it, go straight up & you'll immediately see this colourful building.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWc57bVUoFk">Yes to that Samsung Ad. </a></td></tr>
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We stayed for a few minutes and headed for Montane Mansion next. <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2RwKZzvihruxK2ar7">From Choi Hung, the MRT will take you to Quarry Bay Station and Montane Mansion is a 6-minutes walk from there.</a><br />
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The entrance to Montane Mansion is tricky but easy to locate. We followed a number of tourists and walk passed an entryway to one of the most famous Hong Kong's Instagrammable flats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCr00_8R3jPZkwkiO2LTdNSksjeR5C5_c20dKZmGEeYb0C1wNrbAeWnB35XT9aQPLh6FWKlenEWxs_Jr_RVARBVHh7xK9F_z5PQsMzP5p6Es5nvUL7YKrLoJzoUHFbYSFDOG0SkZ5h_7e/s1600/IMG_4755.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCr00_8R3jPZkwkiO2LTdNSksjeR5C5_c20dKZmGEeYb0C1wNrbAeWnB35XT9aQPLh6FWKlenEWxs_Jr_RVARBVHh7xK9F_z5PQsMzP5p6Es5nvUL7YKrLoJzoUHFbYSFDOG0SkZ5h_7e/s640/IMG_4755.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Montane Mansion is behind the red traffic light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKL1fdEe6KnC029q6iDh7zMmGeaEcj5glyQBFQ9J2wKBid7FwS2vhuZNWAADxF3YJEDKaCKWONfG_AMDBZuM9jhpFOq01xpfU6lz0x2u-2ah1yzHDNAsRmrxDYVUFreITMVc_TvW5LWQl/s1600/18F98E5B-3A79-42B9-B045-215247F95451-4991-000003491F0720A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKL1fdEe6KnC029q6iDh7zMmGeaEcj5glyQBFQ9J2wKBid7FwS2vhuZNWAADxF3YJEDKaCKWONfG_AMDBZuM9jhpFOq01xpfU6lz0x2u-2ah1yzHDNAsRmrxDYVUFreITMVc_TvW5LWQl/s640/18F98E5B-3A79-42B9-B045-215247F95451-4991-000003491F0720A1.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty is very different here. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmahq8p8kORk22v4_ww-B36Ks0QM3TkiBKUHR5_Tx5B-N4WBkuKGSmD2FXwOy1QsDRTtW_GTJtMbuxJ7mvx6t-iD_G4Quw5O0cttawPqrsJ-Yme0CodxEffdtPfg6yP9gNf6cKHHeZ7Rx/s1600/IMG_4756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmahq8p8kORk22v4_ww-B36Ks0QM3TkiBKUHR5_Tx5B-N4WBkuKGSmD2FXwOy1QsDRTtW_GTJtMbuxJ7mvx6t-iD_G4Quw5O0cttawPqrsJ-Yme0CodxEffdtPfg6yP9gNf6cKHHeZ7Rx/s640/IMG_4756.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagrammable. Yes?</td></tr>
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We did not do much on the first day. Those two were the only place we went to. Day 2 however, is another different story.<br />
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-33383519610774479222019-03-03T09:29:00.002+08:002019-03-03T09:29:59.982+08:00Recharging...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC83aTSrT_fiRM1LJ1D8nK-ANNkR7yzLAjSpxu3dLj-kgaozeYgpFDd1rE1_7i_vL-Cs2wEDQOM18XbrgciEtUpHZUUsUhyphenhyphenSWV5Cfae9zs_zB_6HzYOl9LJrjuC40BjZbZPlNNlpQlUaGt/s1600/IMG_4253.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC83aTSrT_fiRM1LJ1D8nK-ANNkR7yzLAjSpxu3dLj-kgaozeYgpFDd1rE1_7i_vL-Cs2wEDQOM18XbrgciEtUpHZUUsUhyphenhyphenSWV5Cfae9zs_zB_6HzYOl9LJrjuC40BjZbZPlNNlpQlUaGt/s640/IMG_4253.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
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A lot can happen in 7 months.<br />
<br />
My cat gave birth again to 4 kittens.<br />
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Love turns itself 360 degree and makes you wonder what is happening with your world.<br />
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I've been trying to grasp the utmost reality for the past 7 months.<br />
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I was alone most of the time, and when I feel things started to fall apart, I felt drained.<br />
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Until I started reading <a href="https://www.aidaazlin.com/tuesday-love-letter-archive" target="_blank">Aida Azlin's Tuesday Love Letter</a>.<br />
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From this, I know what I needed the most in life right now. A recharge.<br />
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Everything has been draining me since the day I moved away. Since I started working a new, stressful job and since I met...<br />
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I muted those who I feel did not give me enough positivity. Online & offline. I let go of things that I can't control even though I know I'm right. I get rid of things that reminded me of who I was, a bitter, too much complaining person. I decided 90% of all decisions on my own - no longer waiting opinions from others (except my emotional support buddy a.k.a my husband). I'd travel to my husband in a different state even when I knew I only had 1 night or less than 24 hours with him.<br />
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I take charge & felt recharged. And I am still recharging myself.<br />
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Because that is what you need to do when you're drained. Recharge yourself. As quickly as you would recharge your phone when it's drained. Leaving it drained too long will break it. Same as leaving yourself drained too long, it would break you too. </div>
Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-84071342252944798542018-07-03T08:00:00.000+08:002018-07-03T08:00:07.818+08:00Short Getaway; Semporna, Sabah <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjMS-5efhnZh2nQLjw7kgkl6VfAbAFLAVE3x_GVYj74hKQjhq4TCRX8zSaMAJ8JF2atWwjm77cso_g7CgthJEIqf1yX6kW9vqb-TgYm_K-MnG1fypM6abTsgGLW2JhIPbCUJ3zt9jVDYP/s1600/DSCF5294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjMS-5efhnZh2nQLjw7kgkl6VfAbAFLAVE3x_GVYj74hKQjhq4TCRX8zSaMAJ8JF2atWwjm77cso_g7CgthJEIqf1yX6kW9vqb-TgYm_K-MnG1fypM6abTsgGLW2JhIPbCUJ3zt9jVDYP/s640/DSCF5294.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Last April, my husband and I had a whim of a travel to Semporna, Sabah. Semporna houses the service to various of beautiful islands along the coast of Sabah. Read: Mabul Island, Tatagan, Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, Mataking, and many more!</div>
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Our travel was such a last minute decision, we paid almost MYR1,000 for the flights alone. If you had ample time to plan, you can get a return flight to Tawau from MYR300+. And the accommodation left was not neat either. We booked our accommodation on the main island instead of on the small, beautiful islands since there were not many options available. </div>
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Upon arrival, we took a Grab car to Semporna from Tawau Airport. The ride costs us approximately MYR92 and the journey took around 1 hour.</div>
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Semporna is a fairly small town, but equipped with basic facilities such as hospitals, numerous schools but it lacked Muslim eateries. You could see a few Malay-based restaurants, however due to mainland's Chinese tourists overflow, the market are catered to Chinese populations instead of Muslims. </div>
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On our first day, we arrived so late in the afternoon which left us very little time for island hopping. We decided to went for a short hike instead - at Bukit Tengkorak or Skull Hill in Semporna. It was a 10-minutes ride from the town via Grab car. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOsZ-8mzv_LpMUS2Xrdawn4Gbmi29HWsrPjIIK7unhY_jqW0uu3JlVQya-gRoylAg3_kt9wg_NI7djsgxf8ENybNUJXG6yRnynG09IaKTKiciun4BHE2vX_kYJhYxZmfktSPaOJ0NrrCd/s1600/DSCF5280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOsZ-8mzv_LpMUS2Xrdawn4Gbmi29HWsrPjIIK7unhY_jqW0uu3JlVQya-gRoylAg3_kt9wg_NI7djsgxf8ENybNUJXG6yRnynG09IaKTKiciun4BHE2vX_kYJhYxZmfktSPaOJ0NrrCd/s640/DSCF5280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the Semporna's waters.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRlLGdTpwJBp9PKYlSk9Rv5gqN_ckaqx2-2Hv_Gwsdhmd-kdSfVM51m0IOMyrROIWY6M52QOVx769CovoE-1oo2ydjsSYW-5088Z08-f3sm4Pb-ZMgnaIg53QpllzlSs8f9kaX-DFeyyq/s1600/DSCF5295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRlLGdTpwJBp9PKYlSk9Rv5gqN_ckaqx2-2Hv_Gwsdhmd-kdSfVM51m0IOMyrROIWY6M52QOVx769CovoE-1oo2ydjsSYW-5088Z08-f3sm4Pb-ZMgnaIg53QpllzlSs8f9kaX-DFeyyq/s640/DSCF5295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hike was a breather but it was worth it. On top of the hill, you could see the magnificent turquoise water of Semporna and the smaller islands. The high grasses, the sea breeze, it actually does make you feel as if you don't want to leave. Bring along some food for a short picnic overlooking the magnificent open sea. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmuOKP9z_JUnfrM-rGLlU1taU31IwbuM6d1UOxI902UnIQF5CtujH5v1OcL0C3-PTk8VMgRpclhcSQnYvVqRzKNWzuqRlcVWeCKM8a0YElZadNzhf0skBm2PFHCV8_C8KSHLj3tl21Frn/s1600/DSCF5296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmuOKP9z_JUnfrM-rGLlU1taU31IwbuM6d1UOxI902UnIQF5CtujH5v1OcL0C3-PTk8VMgRpclhcSQnYvVqRzKNWzuqRlcVWeCKM8a0YElZadNzhf0skBm2PFHCV8_C8KSHLj3tl21Frn/s640/DSCF5296.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Our second day consisted of several island hoping. We were scheduled to visit Tatagan Island - where the sea gypsies live, Bohey Dulang Island, Mantabuan & Sibuan Island. Bohey Dulang Island was where you could hike and see the formation of hills connected underneath the sea, but it was raining heavily prior to our arrival at the island. So we could not hike as the trail was closed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK8F5soqOXzRCszH8Rf8_spCgMo56M4R5iow1mIWOoSKixqgEWQUAslDxEsFDw1oDK6yQ__u5QyG8O5MCF7QeZcSf38k1NzJYQgXwoR6RjvkAKBocSu9YZ-8quDeiKPdZZuXBWeTijgol/s1600/DSCF5327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK8F5soqOXzRCszH8Rf8_spCgMo56M4R5iow1mIWOoSKixqgEWQUAslDxEsFDw1oDK6yQ__u5QyG8O5MCF7QeZcSf38k1NzJYQgXwoR6RjvkAKBocSu9YZ-8quDeiKPdZZuXBWeTijgol/s640/DSCF5327.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea gypsies at Tatagan Island coming to collect sweets or any food you brought for them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxoV3cjXlDXtVf7_iV7zsXVouI_wGb6KdkMmqxCRTPenhBNtz3d_tRpn2jXQXkRvAyw7ltoEidIgJ0v8RV5ZyE7pNaQkMfdhO2v7lF74q7LV1pexp8T1MnFu07n7qeE2ykNXaaadL3bto/s1600/DSCF5361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxoV3cjXlDXtVf7_iV7zsXVouI_wGb6KdkMmqxCRTPenhBNtz3d_tRpn2jXQXkRvAyw7ltoEidIgJ0v8RV5ZyE7pNaQkMfdhO2v7lF74q7LV1pexp8T1MnFu07n7qeE2ykNXaaadL3bto/s640/DSCF5361.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids swimming in front of their houses built above water. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BZhRScPIn885ZeZVI4vc5n5Ofe0o7WXN_6DNlXBkgmos2aLug3jM-3lTwqhMbQFIOBO4oBMw_sXQW5vJ8qBq0qJGYXs5mqgjDHaRKcglia-c9vYhyphenhyphenv0mduPunVLEKJ0t6817F3OnZ8nb/s1600/DSCF5371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BZhRScPIn885ZeZVI4vc5n5Ofe0o7WXN_6DNlXBkgmos2aLug3jM-3lTwqhMbQFIOBO4oBMw_sXQW5vJ8qBq0qJGYXs5mqgjDHaRKcglia-c9vYhyphenhyphenv0mduPunVLEKJ0t6817F3OnZ8nb/s640/DSCF5371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRubRA0WwUStOI5XYZjPz6NkMmxgWliba8huqf0jUwRZNcEhEhrlk9hfN8ORHV2g5AzonwWQuRwTENBeGo0WoZY8GgSPTL_Ee5HPjqMbDpwdtihZfa7AJ9TG9TXxF42pzlLLHzI4aD38Y/s1600/DSCF5387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRubRA0WwUStOI5XYZjPz6NkMmxgWliba8huqf0jUwRZNcEhEhrlk9hfN8ORHV2g5AzonwWQuRwTENBeGo0WoZY8GgSPTL_Ee5HPjqMbDpwdtihZfa7AJ9TG9TXxF42pzlLLHzI4aD38Y/s640/DSCF5387.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games for the sea gypsies' children.</td></tr>
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We did however snorkel in Mantabuan & Sibuan Island - the sea bed offers thousands of beautiful corals and unique fishes. Too bad we do not have underwater camera to actually capture the memories. But it's okay, pictures often do not do justice anyways. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohey Dulang jetty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IGPSczTZwtX46M9taOqgBasyc-3OIK8tYpNWus8ey6rGl7jYmhARNHVR38Xx0m2skJNrW8T895FZ5Dmhf7I7RhSLNY8Ao-dS6XWe_cA-perWA4c_D76iqwzLoyBdkRxA7YokQxhRVnPD/s1600/DSCF5432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IGPSczTZwtX46M9taOqgBasyc-3OIK8tYpNWus8ey6rGl7jYmhARNHVR38Xx0m2skJNrW8T895FZ5Dmhf7I7RhSLNY8Ao-dS6XWe_cA-perWA4c_D76iqwzLoyBdkRxA7YokQxhRVnPD/s640/DSCF5432.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the breathtaking snorkel at Mantabuan Island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqTLOr9w6VduhrGgSkqBcEueHeCVun5Haot12i8n9tqYcM2VxoNp0hFLcgohQdWlNsPDx6tX-qffXVFp4RD2zAYj1RGV8PKkSXpOWRQ5OvZPpQl1nv-UdyFpEnxVW-pDfih8HlKRoZKmV/s1600/DSCF5452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqTLOr9w6VduhrGgSkqBcEueHeCVun5Haot12i8n9tqYcM2VxoNp0hFLcgohQdWlNsPDx6tX-qffXVFp4RD2zAYj1RGV8PKkSXpOWRQ5OvZPpQl1nv-UdyFpEnxVW-pDfih8HlKRoZKmV/s640/DSCF5452.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea gypsies' house on Mantabuan Island.</td></tr>
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These islands were truly an amazing experience for us. We did have a second day of island hoping the next day and it will be in another entry. Together with the delicious seafood delicacies (lobsters and fresh crabs).<br />
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-84287408793568942612018-07-02T10:31:00.002+08:002018-07-02T10:31:36.410+08:00The Endless Questions. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKAkof-IrC8O4fBz0Ocjj_TW9r8Jqn9bL-vEB83CpUYWrBegkomaZV9yoIli8tIjWiaYPeF90vSmnexVeL5CRRSKSaZdDD78BPWPY4WlrerK1_qte-4h8RgHJpx3fVXD878tPSBihLxvK/s1600/diego-ph-249471-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKAkof-IrC8O4fBz0Ocjj_TW9r8Jqn9bL-vEB83CpUYWrBegkomaZV9yoIli8tIjWiaYPeF90vSmnexVeL5CRRSKSaZdDD78BPWPY4WlrerK1_qte-4h8RgHJpx3fVXD878tPSBihLxvK/s400/diego-ph-249471-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash" width="320" /></a></div>
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We're hitting 6 years this year! Passed the so-called first 5 'tough years' as labelled by the FB folks (spent too much time on FB more than I like these past few months) due to financial instability. Honestly, if 'tough years' were labelled so because of money, they need to sort out their priority. Because in all actuality, the tough scenarios are not often related to money in marriage.</div>
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It's true that now you can't live without money. But, you'll survive with little money in this world today. You're just not that crazy rich as the ones you saw on Instagram showcasing their lives. They are rich, but so are you. Maybe not money rich, but you're rich in something else. Sit back and reflect on your life. You'll eventually find something that's enriching maybe not your life, but maybe others? </div>
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The thing with marriage is, money issues are small. You have so much more issues to endure. Families, in-laws, emotional breakdowns, work that tolls your relationship, distance, SO much more. </div>
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Now that we're hitting 6 years of marriage, we have had so many questions asked - be it children, assets, money, work etc. Prior to 2018, all the questions we're ever asked for is, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"When you'll have kids?"</span></i></b> Once I was asked by a relative, why haven't I conceive? My cousin was married for few months is already showing baby bump - in the meanest possible tone you could ever imagine. My younger self was often triggered by these kind of questions because honestly, it's not my doing that we have not yet conceived. Humans could only do so much (fun, LOL) work to produce offspring but the fruit of the job is not determined by us. </div>
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Then in 2018, all I was asked is, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">"What are you doing at home now that you're not working anymore? What a waste. You have no kids, you're not doing anything at home at all. Why quit your job?"</span></i></b></div>
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As if they didn't know I quit my job willingly because my husband was being transferred to another state. And as if they didn't know we have done the episodes of long-distance marriage for 4 years before. And back then, it was in a different country with different timezones. </div>
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And we have had enough of it. It was tiring, time-consuming, emotionally shattering.</div>
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I decided to quit my job and follow him because I believe 'rezeki' or rizq, or sustenance is not determined by my job. I might be earning okay back then, but I was whining everyday. I became a very negative person. I'm not pleasant to be around, admitted by my husband himself. I'm not happy at work. I'm constantly on the verge of breaking down. I was tired all the time. The job was terrible even though I loved teaching, loved my students, loved my colleagues. But I do not love the job. I constantly disappeared with fellow colleagues to places away from our cubicles simply because we hated our superiors and the endless unnecessary jobs they kept giving. Until one time, I felt like what I was earning wasn't blessed. My salary disappeared before my eyes and I never felt fully satisfied. I began to feel guilty, and trapped. I can't escape. Then my husband's transfer took place - it's a good opportunity for me to leave that toxic place. </div>
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Now I'm happy. I don't have a job, I'm doing a small business that only earn me a few hundreds a month - only a fraction of what I made previously. But I'm happy. I have nothing to whine about now job-wise. I'm happy I'm always together with Amir now for lunch, dinner, breakfast, weekends, weekdays any days. Although some days I do have some episodes seeing former colleagues and friends earning from their job, enjoying their hard paid work, and missing the feeling of payday, it's fine. It's my choice. </div>
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I'm not staying home just to do nothing, every day I do apply for jobs everywhere. Countless of interviews attended. Just wasn't my 'rezeki' yet. But questions keep piling, as if I am one lazy person staying at home just waiting to be fed like baby birds. We never ran out of money or food to eat. We never starve, and we never begged to others for money either. The concern from people around us sometimes were just purely unnecessary to make me feel like a useless human. </div>
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<b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"No job. No children. Business is just okay, not thriving, not soaring through the roof. You must felt really down with yourself."</span> </b>were some of the things I've encountered this year. But it's fine.</div>
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In life, endless questions will be thrown at you, at me, at us. People ask all sort of things. It's our job to filter what necessary and what is not. </div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-90430569343445675502018-04-12T16:29:00.001+08:002018-04-12T16:32:39.925+08:00Why It Is So Hard to Forgive and Forget?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post isn't about me whining why so many people wronged me, because I have wronged people too. And I am still praying every day, for Allah to soften their hearts to forgive me, for whatever thing I had done to hurt them. </div>
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At some point in life, we will stumbled upon people who would occasionally hurt/wronged us. Be it big or small, we do feel offended and hurt for some reason. Whenever we found that it was so hard to forgive, let alone forget, I always recall the story of Imaam Ahmad. Of how he was imprisoned for so long, beaten, left starved and he almost died a prisoner.</div>
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However, upon released from prison, he forgave ALL the people that have wronged him. While he was being prisoned, the beatings were so severe that he suffered a permanent injury which disabled him for life. It was told that he was unable to hold longer wudhu' and would suffer pain at any time of the day during lectures that he needed to end the class early. </div>
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If it were you, would you forgive the person that gave you a permanent lifetime disability? And certainly, would you be able to forget about it entirely? Don't worry, I too would have difficulties in forgiving and forgetting all these. </div>
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And Allah too knows, forgiving and forgetting is hard to do. So hard that He promised a special reward from Himself to those who, wholeheartedly forgive and forget whatever that has been wronged. </div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-86633929735478472642018-03-19T18:53:00.002+08:002018-03-19T18:53:35.132+08:00Istanbul's Bazaar : A Visual Diary <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was kind of hard to write when you are going nowhere, just stuck within the confinement of your four walls. You'll try your best to find ideas but seem to find none. An idea finally strike that I don't really need to write as much because I will have, a visual diary!</div>
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During our previous escapade, we had a few days around Istanbul to spend. Thanks to *ahem* getting old, both of us decided to chill around town and enjoy the beauty Istanbul has got to offer. Upon arriving from Cappadocia, we took the Havabus departing Sabiha Gokcen to the communal ferry terminal which connects us to the European Istanbul. It all costs about 15TL per person inclusive of the ferry ride. They called it a ferry, but to me it seems more as a low-cost cruise. From my husband's opinion, it carries exactly the same experience as embarking on a cruise across Bosphorus that may cost you 45-80TL. Score. Gulls are usually a common view when you cruise across Bosphorus. I actually had the opportunity to feed some gulls that were following our cruise. </div>
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From our hotel, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar was only 5 to 10 minutes on foot. We actually had a few trips back and forth to the bazaar just to kill time for a few days in Istanbul. Indulge in the rich scent of spices, teas, Turkish Delights over at the Spice Bazaar and experience the unique lanterns, quirky cafes and Turkish art shops at the Grand Bazaar.</div>
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Istanbul was pretty cold and windy when we were there, the sky was gloomy and there was non-stop drizzling. Yet it does not stop to charm us in every way possible.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the 'love tea' LOL</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That tudung though. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll chicky, roll. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly squeezed pomegranate, oranges and grapefruit juices.</td></tr>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-17626649979888068122018-02-23T17:09:00.001+08:002018-02-23T17:09:03.416+08:00Long Awaited Getaway, Turkey & Greece ; Part 4 - Cappadocia <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our next destination after Santorini was Cappadocia, Turkey. Our journey might seem messy to some, and we admit it was one. We actually planned ALL of our trips based on the cheapest tickets in and out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. These specific dates were the cheapest we could find during our trip. From Athens, the flight took around 1 hour and a half to reach Sabiha. </div>
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At Sabiha, we had a 5 hours layover - which we spent by eating. By the time we board our plane, it was already night time. We reached Cappadocia at 9pm-ish & took our rented car at the <a href="http://www.kayseri.dhmi.gov.tr/havaalanlari/home.aspx?hv=27">Kayseri International Airport</a>. We booked our car through <a href="https://www.budget.com/en/locations/tr">Budget.com</a>. </div>
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The distance from Kayseri to Cappadocia is about 80KM and took around 1 hour and 20 minutes with good traffic. The journey was a smooth one albeit it was at night and we can still see traces of snow alongside the highway. We reached our hotel, had dinner and settled in. </div>
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Morning came, and we actually missed out the opportunity to witness the famous hot air balloons parade in Cappadocia. Serves as a lesson that please do not oversleep when you are at a place as rare as this. After breakfast, we head out to witness the strange, extraterrestrial land of Cappadocia. There were so many beautiful spots for photos, you just had to pick any. </div>
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And yes, Cappadocia is amazing. It's earthy tones, bizarre rock formations - was nothing I have ever witness throughout my travel experiences. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to copy the infamous <a href="https://www.instagram.com/muradosmann/?hl=en">Murad Osmann</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place... </td></tr>
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Upon recommendations, we do encountered oddly-shaped and questionable rock formations along the way. We recommend you to hike through <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g297983-d8744912-Reviews-Love_Valley-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Love Valley</a> either on foot or a quad bike. This valley is prohibited for cars/heavy vehicles - they would want to protect the sites from any possible damages. Um, back to the question. Why oddly-shaped you ask? Have a look for yourself why. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNGdKom0HVnXPaDMqblIKt_0DStXlYKFuzxlklwxxByYB8YvozQdGWCr31z9mLHBXdUSPlh6L7ItAB5PEgd0u7mJVd5AIOy4FVmAuqA7geHctN-GKXWy9geEUT9i6EnIUaYH8zqpT7SgY/s1600/DSCF4334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNGdKom0HVnXPaDMqblIKt_0DStXlYKFuzxlklwxxByYB8YvozQdGWCr31z9mLHBXdUSPlh6L7ItAB5PEgd0u7mJVd5AIOy4FVmAuqA7geHctN-GKXWy9geEUT9i6EnIUaYH8zqpT7SgY/s640/DSCF4334.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tell me the rocks aren't even the slightest bit odd to you. </td></tr>
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On to our next agenda, nope just kidding. We had absolutely no idea what to do in Cappadocia apart from just wing it. So, based on Google & Tripadvisor, they recommended that you MUST spend at least for a few minutes at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g297983-i25303168-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Rose Valley (Kizil Cukur)</a> while you are there. It was named Rose Valley as it was said to turn rose colour during sunset - which unfortunately we did not read that part until we were already back at the hotel. But we did managed to score some amazing photo opportunities with this remarkable geography. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeug1pCoXMw5kSsuPQyn_ma3R5PJktXfbmeNFcDPbnC0_l9XxLxIPf_sf2YqZLEOtRte6lotNuJo0-0RAtADGcdCaEkLks2DXVoKrD4FbsjfiAw53FdFh4uPdkg0Azv6IJIrzZ3Ejta4w5/s1600/DSCF4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeug1pCoXMw5kSsuPQyn_ma3R5PJktXfbmeNFcDPbnC0_l9XxLxIPf_sf2YqZLEOtRte6lotNuJo0-0RAtADGcdCaEkLks2DXVoKrD4FbsjfiAw53FdFh4uPdkg0Azv6IJIrzZ3Ejta4w5/s640/DSCF4395.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seem familiar? Hehe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTucU82OHNWrniVMWztZbnSxymjsTMKXood17xlm8qULNXtMa1RHjJCnvi-ja_WwqSwmBNJQ9iZ7SgstdV2lO5BYvHh2plF-_49SrpL5d_3XmDdDtRtfUHfog0k_DQew2ccGqfBGcrgR3a/s1600/DSCF4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTucU82OHNWrniVMWztZbnSxymjsTMKXood17xlm8qULNXtMa1RHjJCnvi-ja_WwqSwmBNJQ9iZ7SgstdV2lO5BYvHh2plF-_49SrpL5d_3XmDdDtRtfUHfog0k_DQew2ccGqfBGcrgR3a/s640/DSCF4423.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man behind my every great photo.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mlt0CS5Yr15LdCCIoMggM5IMb4eCoHsB4394VIl_qesICbpMsC9_l7JxMyJ_6tdB5pCjfvAJUR4QybVjjtexhaz-sALPkVJzl4XH8di_d7yUnuXH8ahzhki1yYYSwJOCwkpynlhKHYVr/s1600/DSCF4429.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mlt0CS5Yr15LdCCIoMggM5IMb4eCoHsB4394VIl_qesICbpMsC9_l7JxMyJ_6tdB5pCjfvAJUR4QybVjjtexhaz-sALPkVJzl4XH8di_d7yUnuXH8ahzhki1yYYSwJOCwkpynlhKHYVr/s640/DSCF4429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While you were in Cappadocia, if you are driving, please do not hesitate to just park your car at the roadside and take as many pictures as your heart wants because the scenery changes for every two minutes you were in the car! The roads are mainly empty anyway. There are occasional buses and lorries, just make sure to park your car off the main road and run as fast as you can when any of these approaches.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5az5tCgHDc6SXUA_kov9onLMmxQZejZE3ugk5Pabz8pbyl5p4929MO3I53oc0aaYxW5sPEu6-AzQepPsPwsziBuH_hpw7x-fOb74shJCB2oYB1IipmagBbPC6PV5u6xcJEba-Op_5Hm3a/s1600/DSCF4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5az5tCgHDc6SXUA_kov9onLMmxQZejZE3ugk5Pabz8pbyl5p4929MO3I53oc0aaYxW5sPEu6-AzQepPsPwsziBuH_hpw7x-fOb74shJCB2oYB1IipmagBbPC6PV5u6xcJEba-Op_5Hm3a/s640/DSCF4450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty roads - take photos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAY4lbKg_Gz5yjOhQY-0BDApWhIyv-pyVIIqG_IjiEliIV_T9PmMg2EFm6RzBYHnR9tKzEg7ScQNOXHc1uuiO6xgDtEp6f4ywATNCVemTbCCij1Jk8zUczKPBKtWe8WV-7ywE7PE4Kj9d/s1600/DSCF4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAY4lbKg_Gz5yjOhQY-0BDApWhIyv-pyVIIqG_IjiEliIV_T9PmMg2EFm6RzBYHnR9tKzEg7ScQNOXHc1uuiO6xgDtEp6f4ywATNCVemTbCCij1Jk8zUczKPBKtWe8WV-7ywE7PE4Kj9d/s640/DSCF4463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More empty roads - take more photos</td></tr>
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After Rose Valley, according to Google - we decided to visit the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g297983-d1206547-Reviews-Fairy_Chimneys-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Fairy Chimney Valley</a>. To our disappointment, it was almost dusk thus we did not spend much time over here. But nonetheless, the other-worldly formations are here too. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8vhkv1S_R6P4ajyQ_8vAEns14t-I9amQ6Wq5j1F9BVyh-aVgRb3RePlcZd86AsER2Neq_MRhAnwv6iWgt_nhWKOV-SWmcxlwD9FHYxDUfEDmGL0BM0AADZ7Q0iPhlE-RByquR3SsxJlN/s1600/DSCF4473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8vhkv1S_R6P4ajyQ_8vAEns14t-I9amQ6Wq5j1F9BVyh-aVgRb3RePlcZd86AsER2Neq_MRhAnwv6iWgt_nhWKOV-SWmcxlwD9FHYxDUfEDmGL0BM0AADZ7Q0iPhlE-RByquR3SsxJlN/s640/DSCF4473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean? Um, how? Why? </td></tr>
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Additionally, also through recommendations from Tripadvisor, we had our first authentic Anatolian dinner at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g297983-d1099955-Reviews-Nazar_Borek_Cafe-Goreme_Cappadocia.html">Nazar Borek & Cafe</a>. Us being the big eater (basically I think we live for food), agrees that the recommendations do not disappoint. The food was phenomenal, portion was big as usual and the price is affordable. We had a dish (forgot what it's called) consisting of minced beef, pickled chilli with their sauce eaten with rice or bread. To die for. It was that good. It was so good, that we returned the next day for lunch.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still remember how good this was! And missing it terribly.</td></tr>
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Day 2 in Cappadocia, we decided to explore a bit far up to <a href="https://www.goreme.com/ihlara-valley.php">Ihlara Valley</a> situated almost 90KM from Cappadocia and took about 1 and a half hours drive. Unfortunately, due to winter/low season the valley was closed. Or maybe it was closed for maintenance. Either way, no one speaks English over here, so we had to appease ourselves with some photos of the valley and the icy mountain behind it. Ihlara village was a quaint village at the foot of <a href="https://www.google.com.my/maps/place/Mount+Hasan/@38.163728,34.204137,11z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x14d60fc188759b91:0xeb006bf365b859d0!2sIhlara,+68570+Ihlara+Belediyesi%2FG%C3%BCzelyurt%2FAksaray,+Turkey!3b1!8m2!3d38.238506!4d34.306363!3m4!1s0x14d6145c33b5fb17:0xd72246e69f38749a!8m2!3d38.1275351!4d34.1666222">Mount Hasan</a> - which was covered in ice during winter. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cat was waiting for us in front of our room for our entire stay. Wasn't she a beaut? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgh3n6_v6Z_7z1W2XB010j7Y4U5KS69yujs5TPTukR_PzY6C66DIVquPaUj1J8QuTxVg0G3FHzS7psaLXiVRsiNDLILzC1ukZy4f4fj2m_GNdUs_TMT8LsYAZB2r4We_CZT8qsU_J6asi/s1600/DSCF4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgh3n6_v6Z_7z1W2XB010j7Y4U5KS69yujs5TPTukR_PzY6C66DIVquPaUj1J8QuTxVg0G3FHzS7psaLXiVRsiNDLILzC1ukZy4f4fj2m_GNdUs_TMT8LsYAZB2r4We_CZT8qsU_J6asi/s640/DSCF4490.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the valley of Ihlara.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic43jHcbKPXmeQ8uTLsenrZ-Em_UqzFxNhCroIGBwPX2-D2KXTXsn0GG5uN3fxrCOCD5RS5XWvp301A0jeUzhdC-lE7_vECzq-IV-6yfkhss3NS_wy1uotuMyAoFxq8fSI8proEFLuDBXA/s1600/DSCF4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic43jHcbKPXmeQ8uTLsenrZ-Em_UqzFxNhCroIGBwPX2-D2KXTXsn0GG5uN3fxrCOCD5RS5XWvp301A0jeUzhdC-lE7_vECzq-IV-6yfkhss3NS_wy1uotuMyAoFxq8fSI8proEFLuDBXA/s640/DSCF4532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This quaint village, almost mistaken as a painting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP7zfml4O8gKA6DbEPKrfOCSBgr9Pp3mmK7cKgiwlb8h2CBDBXT_XNkzZXYu8LUAMaGQcfU9_-sLZZCb1ONAtieuc2Ycly5vYoOJypXqxfLTnT3ueB1To7Z901zfxA-95dNPaffwC4IWc/s1600/DSCF4555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP7zfml4O8gKA6DbEPKrfOCSBgr9Pp3mmK7cKgiwlb8h2CBDBXT_XNkzZXYu8LUAMaGQcfU9_-sLZZCb1ONAtieuc2Ycly5vYoOJypXqxfLTnT3ueB1To7Z901zfxA-95dNPaffwC4IWc/s640/DSCF4555.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ihlara village from another, empty road.</td></tr>
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Our escapade for Cappadocia ends after Ihlara, when we returned to Goreme for some lunch and head straight to the airport to catch our flight back to Sabiha. I think, if I were given a chance to return, I would stay longer in Cappadocia just to absorb all the strangely beautiful scenery they had.</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Flight ;</b> </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pegasus Airlines, Sabiha-Kayseri-Sabiha (MYR370 for TWO person) </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Accomodation ;</b> </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/turquaz-cave.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggJCAlhYSDNYBGihAYgBAZgBLrgBB8gBDdgBAegBAfgBC5ICAXmoAgM;sid=820799d027ba9c1d2b91b18d9ffd9dbb">Turquaz Cave Hotel</a> (MYR 198 for TWO nights)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Transportation ;</b> </span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Budget.com at Kayseri International Airport (43 Euros for 72 hours, full insurance, empty oil tank)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Diesel (150TL,full tank) - but we only managed to use one bar upon return and the company did refund the balance money equivalent to unused diesel. </span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Food ; </b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Allocate 25-30 TL per person for one day.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-89359950239544250382018-02-22T16:13:00.002+08:002018-02-22T16:21:46.004+08:00Long Awaited Getaway, Turkey & Greece ; Part 3 - Santorini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Continuing our Turkey & Greece escapade, we reached our third destination for the trip which is, Santorini. Santorini is famous with it's blue sky, azure sea and white-washed houses built over the cliffs. It was as perfect as a postcard. Bear in mind though, this post might be a long one.</div>
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We flew to Santorini from Athens via <a href="http://www.volotea.com/en/" target="_blank">Volotea Airline</a>, a Spanish budget airline which covers the EU. The airfare was about MYR 390 [ 81 Euros ] for two person. The fares were cheap, but being a typical budget airline, they charge you from choosing the seats up to printing boarding passes at the airport. For the money that goes to the flight, we actually had a good experience with the airline. There was no queuing at all at the airport, their staff were polite and the plane itself was new too. </div>
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The plane was a tiny, cute one. The seats were arranged as a 2-seater on one side, and a 3-seater the other. It was a relatively short flight. When we were in the air for about 5-10 minutes-ish, I got up to visit the washroom & the stewardess politely declined my request as we were already descending. Total duration of the flight took around 40 minutes I think? </div>
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Upon arrival at Santorini International Airport, we were promised by a local company that we had booked a car to rent to meet at the arrival. We arrived at 11.15am, but they were nowhere to be seen. We called (bought a Greece sim card in Athens) but no one picked up the phone. We waited until it was close to 12pm and had to give in to one of the car rental companies at the airport. The staff was kind enough to call and wait with us even though other booths were already closed. They are only open whenever a flight arrives which in low season (October to February), there are only 3 flights a day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_rf2WwmqbJT1CdhoSBHwD-azBZR9dJJ5tZjngAt_dnwALU1Tcvz_t2BkTQd2LGY19T6nc0aEYap1Y29DwiUO4pMukRw68L5x2gmcJ-kfCeTqrBMAS4UXqWZLjyHczoYS8a-Zdw8o3eTw/s1600/IMG_7636.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_rf2WwmqbJT1CdhoSBHwD-azBZR9dJJ5tZjngAt_dnwALU1Tcvz_t2BkTQd2LGY19T6nc0aEYap1Y29DwiUO4pMukRw68L5x2gmcJ-kfCeTqrBMAS4UXqWZLjyHczoYS8a-Zdw8o3eTw/s640/IMG_7636.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, only one booth were still open. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OZFXZYP6tMheGZze24YNaqgq2U8uTlhUyiqTOU5Y2ycrMToD_KWMd1TMuOyV2DHpVVnBQPrrxlcQ52SgJA738r2MLtF4f4SCU33Wxf3wVPI9NpaSb1widcy91WucofRresLr9tLAlc1D/s1600/DSCF4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OZFXZYP6tMheGZze24YNaqgq2U8uTlhUyiqTOU5Y2ycrMToD_KWMd1TMuOyV2DHpVVnBQPrrxlcQ52SgJA738r2MLtF4f4SCU33Wxf3wVPI9NpaSb1widcy91WucofRresLr9tLAlc1D/s640/DSCF4067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We rented a Peugeot 108 and everything went by smoothly.</td></tr>
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Santorini is an island in the Southern Aegean Sea. The island is tiny. If you were to tour the island by car, it only consists of 35 km of asphalt road. Our first destination was the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g1189834-d641334-Reviews-Red_Beach-Akrotiri_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html" target="_blank">Red Beach</a>. Located at the southern Santorini, 15 minutes drive from the airport. The beach was named so due to the red towering cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. Be careful when you are here. The paths consisted of small volcanic sand that are prone to sliding - if you've been hiking at a few volcanoes, you'll know what I meant. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHUTwpVB_nt9wkBb5lBn9aXIjCbX2LuA7EKWCT_R7IZVTOF-7dwVhqW2M6sMBoVI0n4lujUOJVighlA-8-2dHVYm_kVFiOXkWysORrW_UZwOwOCbU5sND990BiKdHCQZtADeQS5iWs8wq/s1600/DSCF4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHUTwpVB_nt9wkBb5lBn9aXIjCbX2LuA7EKWCT_R7IZVTOF-7dwVhqW2M6sMBoVI0n4lujUOJVighlA-8-2dHVYm_kVFiOXkWysORrW_UZwOwOCbU5sND990BiKdHCQZtADeQS5iWs8wq/s640/DSCF4032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnificent, masyaAllah.</td></tr>
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Our plan was to visit loads of museums and historical sites in Santorini - which dates back to pre-historic era. Little did we know, all those museums & sites were closed during the low season. Basically it only opens from March up until September each year. Even restaurants were closed. </div>
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Pro-tip:</div>
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<ul>
<li>There are no halal food here guys. Although there was a shop claiming they were selling halal gyros, BUT they sell pulled pork gyros too... So...</li>
<li>Buy eggs and cook rice at your accommodation. Book one with a kitchenette like we did. </li>
</ul>
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We decided it would be best for us to check into our studio. We rented a studio via Booking.com named <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/musses-studios.en-gb.html?aid=397605;label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-unspec-my-com-L%3Aen-O%3AosSx-B%3Asafari-N%3Ayes-S%3Abo-U%3Asalo-H%3As;sid=820799d027ba9c1d2b91b18d9ffd9dbb" target="_blank">Musses Studio</a> in Oia, the northern part of Santorini. This studio, although it's a small one but is dear to me. It was beautiful. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih45fmmuoYOq4jYp6yTVz0AN59xTaZvFXQioMo7f1whiW-cjhCfpAUoTcZMQsvVNNfNV4nhumJFDOlOtY7ErHe_Huvjum1Jxe4RPB_uZAmK_ZO9UPweCxwb_jttDmVLYypqZ9IgsbjdH_/s1600/DSCF4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih45fmmuoYOq4jYp6yTVz0AN59xTaZvFXQioMo7f1whiW-cjhCfpAUoTcZMQsvVNNfNV4nhumJFDOlOtY7ErHe_Huvjum1Jxe4RPB_uZAmK_ZO9UPweCxwb_jttDmVLYypqZ9IgsbjdH_/s640/DSCF4071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room - all Santorini white. Small kitchenette on the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTLrDXnFYaVC2nwEDFxXdTn4OcBe1kXMtRi1NVRbzXvJbhtLY2DtosDCFDjvErrzcr9ygyzq0Bu_xU9gDck0dW7PDCNVqm23iPu5kR51P4axvpmdmvEdqDZShhLB6WIYldSrJa08RL2NO/s1600/DSCF4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTLrDXnFYaVC2nwEDFxXdTn4OcBe1kXMtRi1NVRbzXvJbhtLY2DtosDCFDjvErrzcr9ygyzq0Bu_xU9gDck0dW7PDCNVqm23iPu5kR51P4axvpmdmvEdqDZShhLB6WIYldSrJa08RL2NO/s640/DSCF4076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bedroom on the upper half-storey. Bed came with bedwarmers. Score!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcuT2SJnj3Ttfs9xqnNGd4b0NRhD8rnLzotW2ZEhB9oLlE-hxRUjR80CcdY6vzyBPqJ0v_yu1xaN0WkXKZ2kU9d6yYQ0cbGwUJQ0YM9QXem5tu1GqoLnDAzq-UY_00imIMQ1UvwqA-sGq/s1600/DSCF4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcuT2SJnj3Ttfs9xqnNGd4b0NRhD8rnLzotW2ZEhB9oLlE-hxRUjR80CcdY6vzyBPqJ0v_yu1xaN0WkXKZ2kU9d6yYQ0cbGwUJQ0YM9QXem5tu1GqoLnDAzq-UY_00imIMQ1UvwqA-sGq/s640/DSCF4073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our terrace. Overlooking the sea. Need we say more?</td></tr>
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Too bad we only had one night to stay here - due to budget & time constraint. But look at the pictures above! Wouldn't you want to stay here forever? We wished we could too.<br />
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With not a minute to waste (actually after a nap & few rounds of chocolate croissants with coffee later), we decided to stroll around Oia - to capture Santorini at Sunset. We started with the northernmost tip of Santorini, but the view was almost similar to the red beach, only not very touristy. So we walked around the famous main tile promenade of Oia and captured few pictures here and there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvrQXVtAc-HsHsjZo4bZRlV0R4CiULGbgMouNvpLJjDn_YzidXvmQwm_sH9QnudMt-mrnf57SMM5gun3TIrKDLSHllHV11s6oV0vwjKrtPZTwN0nrnWJ7cSXbeGlxFs0YPJN-Dz7m1b4Q/s1600/IMG_7699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvrQXVtAc-HsHsjZo4bZRlV0R4CiULGbgMouNvpLJjDn_YzidXvmQwm_sH9QnudMt-mrnf57SMM5gun3TIrKDLSHllHV11s6oV0vwjKrtPZTwN0nrnWJ7cSXbeGlxFs0YPJN-Dz7m1b4Q/s640/IMG_7699.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky, the sea...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvegXT529K-6TgCu5dGle7fCW80LN2p_PJwAMB5srci3-hJ3MPnJe4r2Ni9LHlQtMThzNYV8SWkyuJsSEfCMDGa8fwkwkfa7J8xkWDT8kqEzCuGXHcXMbm3xsfo2PjkkGHHg6gVDSgi8m/s1600/DSCF4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvegXT529K-6TgCu5dGle7fCW80LN2p_PJwAMB5srci3-hJ3MPnJe4r2Ni9LHlQtMThzNYV8SWkyuJsSEfCMDGa8fwkwkfa7J8xkWDT8kqEzCuGXHcXMbm3xsfo2PjkkGHHg6gVDSgi8m/s640/DSCF4085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip of Santorini.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEY9_aMXn9MELEtE0I9q3aOgbMmfW7sn1LKKdTxXbfVwTD5QlpDvAMmrVrCOEqBUcRQXtxyCJ_r46tj27dT1pWsQsRyJnGa25J1WbYuJMWHDTJnX5puc3VMUNjAmX75G8aZYiXHb00Rc9/s1600/DSCF4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEY9_aMXn9MELEtE0I9q3aOgbMmfW7sn1LKKdTxXbfVwTD5QlpDvAMmrVrCOEqBUcRQXtxyCJ_r46tj27dT1pWsQsRyJnGa25J1WbYuJMWHDTJnX5puc3VMUNjAmX75G8aZYiXHb00Rc9/s640/DSCF4138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect combination, white-washed houses and sunset hues.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wtCe-bnPwOCwez9P6b6kPN2XSQGNuW-fwW3TsD7Kgl8NkROGh3em_NuhYYahX-wsoEQVXIvIIwsW3Ql9v8zcONZ5oHLrlgLVe5l9CszFreZZMnL3BDp8IWbjfu9rTWyd0TKxV6egOMJi/s1600/DSCF4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wtCe-bnPwOCwez9P6b6kPN2XSQGNuW-fwW3TsD7Kgl8NkROGh3em_NuhYYahX-wsoEQVXIvIIwsW3Ql9v8zcONZ5oHLrlgLVe5l9CszFreZZMnL3BDp8IWbjfu9rTWyd0TKxV6egOMJi/s640/DSCF4101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santorini over the fallen caldera.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoguc4Enn9icFGREtmhvs8v4zeVcJuZv7_TuqUdl9MLWEaVsADq_kyV5OrQnuzP5lJ9QdKzyFE8UgQlkKk9nNT3ZXqms7PlxJ9vVTCiAy7xTJ8B3A_bNcIlq2v7ICOFQripktWvwdbphV/s1600/IMG_7729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoguc4Enn9icFGREtmhvs8v4zeVcJuZv7_TuqUdl9MLWEaVsADq_kyV5OrQnuzP5lJ9QdKzyFE8UgQlkKk9nNT3ZXqms7PlxJ9vVTCiAy7xTJ8B3A_bNcIlq2v7ICOFQripktWvwdbphV/s640/IMG_7729.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sunset - I could not get over how beautiful this place is! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Q8cWRcGyUR0RqSaX5tD4Xj7GkMhovPaBslZvYfLvfC7MLb_2wOpeOV1wd-oF9oFZIlNyEropbl081kXpU4m5lz5bbk1U4gtfDfpPnJX-sYHPxLR5kMLmtrs8tT9CITbd6dXtj5sg7LYk/s1600/DSCF4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Q8cWRcGyUR0RqSaX5tD4Xj7GkMhovPaBslZvYfLvfC7MLb_2wOpeOV1wd-oF9oFZIlNyEropbl081kXpU4m5lz5bbk1U4gtfDfpPnJX-sYHPxLR5kMLmtrs8tT9CITbd6dXtj5sg7LYk/s640/DSCF4127.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random stairs we found while walking along the caldera.</td></tr>
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Nothing much you could do in Santorini if you're here in the low season. Apart from sightseeing, you could go to the local bakery to enjoy the delicacies. BUT, they close at 3PM in winter. So... plan ahead. Since we had nothing to do, we went back to our studio, watched a movie and sleep. </div>
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Our morning started with a stunning view. We enjoyed making a cup of coffee and eating chocolate croissants on top of the studio - like this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eGR738fez2l15c-UywfaHqu9OPmVuPmFsrcgLUfTQP3A1pwcBZwNG1PJ3N9rxHcqWT2DCu3vBoHLDOWQ2J5QmgACn3ganplLhZPmpyDzrjsxmD_VFk0C9JLluvLFWo7akbyfvW5b_SRd/s1600/DSCF4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eGR738fez2l15c-UywfaHqu9OPmVuPmFsrcgLUfTQP3A1pwcBZwNG1PJ3N9rxHcqWT2DCu3vBoHLDOWQ2J5QmgACn3ganplLhZPmpyDzrjsxmD_VFk0C9JLluvLFWo7akbyfvW5b_SRd/s640/DSCF4163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Done with our breakfast, we took our time lounging around the studio reading and watched a movie before it was finally time to check out. We had to bid farewell to this enchanted place. Our flight was not up until 4pm and it was only 12pm when we checked out. So we took more time to dawdle along the promenade before returning our car at the airport. Supposedly we had more pictures, but a certain lady dandy organ of mine wanted to cramp and give me a hard time walking (thanks, endometriosis) - so only few were captured. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z6RIXTZzqAckaUyJijAy9-gj78sMDujDaI2XC56BbWFM3VEdE1mI2wmpP5nOFBHsgPGdazWMNOHN-F1rac60VH1kRugL31QOgYzbZ1zLwsToT1VFpq8AIWb14uhObxRNjfmRG5mMUf34/s1600/DSCF4164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9z6RIXTZzqAckaUyJijAy9-gj78sMDujDaI2XC56BbWFM3VEdE1mI2wmpP5nOFBHsgPGdazWMNOHN-F1rac60VH1kRugL31QOgYzbZ1zLwsToT1VFpq8AIWb14uhObxRNjfmRG5mMUf34/s640/DSCF4164.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same outfit as yesterday, cause why not? See the iconic Greek blue door. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K2D0_GFJ8TnYp3vv16GTLOQcvS7MbXZtijON8YfjfmDvyD1ixrjJAnhzLzrXHndBDjD0GZKsIwVXwzYRjza4hedK0gSZodh37lwXqhVe3PNnqlIbiooGQ6VkPaaldvP9bLrr3o3fICXw/s1600/DSCF4169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2K2D0_GFJ8TnYp3vv16GTLOQcvS7MbXZtijON8YfjfmDvyD1ixrjJAnhzLzrXHndBDjD0GZKsIwVXwzYRjza4hedK0gSZodh37lwXqhVe3PNnqlIbiooGQ6VkPaaldvP9bLrr3o3fICXw/s640/DSCF4169.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those who could afford the pool is lucky. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-ZVUP3pG2jji9kjblfoe1scUnc8A2on6509M4aMcpqsxQ_tfGwQmHZ_P1kzP9Ifyy2gTZxN5y_Jl7mSKyJ-AeAy3Nao_Wm3gKl1YKcX8rDTY9fIhypW0dzRbwAukEQL16cJCImAmPcC2/s1600/DSCF4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-ZVUP3pG2jji9kjblfoe1scUnc8A2on6509M4aMcpqsxQ_tfGwQmHZ_P1kzP9Ifyy2gTZxN5y_Jl7mSKyJ-AeAy3Nao_Wm3gKl1YKcX8rDTY9fIhypW0dzRbwAukEQL16cJCImAmPcC2/s640/DSCF4205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More stairs around the nook.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUNUuUU7IuLhrSCnn4ZKg-plH0kPNO5WfnpgvqZp0ja0tG4ar86-IIReNlXKT3Hybb4ekgXyhIZp8LgCAdz07VNv2DSmKzqwIWiW3HpgbUDxdvej0FblNOdwmZUTWLE8_51n-EvE67zoi/s1600/IMG_7779.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUNUuUU7IuLhrSCnn4ZKg-plH0kPNO5WfnpgvqZp0ja0tG4ar86-IIReNlXKT3Hybb4ekgXyhIZp8LgCAdz07VNv2DSmKzqwIWiW3HpgbUDxdvej0FblNOdwmZUTWLE8_51n-EvE67zoi/s640/IMG_7779.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C89KYlCLitZvesb3PMtthwMeHEbFy56tDnN-7sZdG7Q9y08agM4-UHq7vNY52lOruJ_fqCWHeSMjHC3VtJmFA4c06FFkhcwC0rpAK7v-eiaGsInWSci6UzxQ5w-Wr6bkAt-n3SkrEgWs/s1600/IMG_7781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C89KYlCLitZvesb3PMtthwMeHEbFy56tDnN-7sZdG7Q9y08agM4-UHq7vNY52lOruJ_fqCWHeSMjHC3VtJmFA4c06FFkhcwC0rpAK7v-eiaGsInWSci6UzxQ5w-Wr6bkAt-n3SkrEgWs/s640/IMG_7781.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRhuqHBD03Dcd0a5IW50Muq7lPjmQ3QesktQR1_S2JqIqA6Hw2zSZiGMU-Ey801m7Wt_tk2tzk8yXZ6vyRpZ6PlDYrUGrG66MgilaAPGB6VI8UG96cBj1XVBoXLCmh7bH11dCoum9Rz1z/s1600/IMG_7785.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRhuqHBD03Dcd0a5IW50Muq7lPjmQ3QesktQR1_S2JqIqA6Hw2zSZiGMU-Ey801m7Wt_tk2tzk8yXZ6vyRpZ6PlDYrUGrG66MgilaAPGB6VI8UG96cBj1XVBoXLCmh7bH11dCoum9Rz1z/s640/IMG_7785.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more stairs and a view beyond words.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AZQPaBldEqJ98HtdTYwYi1ZheCLOklsbANnagqdc4aLsHjwedReL3IYZz_xHZVwvrSqOYxbAoWhkbsFyTjceGarmHN_6v3yIgkRE-ElUM_PK45olnIvAiru1K432Ur49YrKhO5adQDjG/s1600/IMG_7787.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AZQPaBldEqJ98HtdTYwYi1ZheCLOklsbANnagqdc4aLsHjwedReL3IYZz_xHZVwvrSqOYxbAoWhkbsFyTjceGarmHN_6v3yIgkRE-ElUM_PK45olnIvAiru1K432Ur49YrKhO5adQDjG/s640/IMG_7787.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was not hoping to see bougainvilleas in winter, but yay I found some!</td></tr>
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This wrapped up our entire journey to Santorini. It's a place directly drawn from the hands of Allah. Only God can create such places. Came 4 pm, we took our flight back to Athens where we stayed one night before catching our flight to Cappadocia the next day. Hoping to return in the future and maybe island hopped next time! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkxkuWw4NsRwTBZVqQIPTwbwRpMUQxGUnFDk6KyqW2V22-FRxTMqGotGGWzqPxs6ql2szgs7kB5ZOmPymHNr0-K-L-z4c1V-DbKJQi3N5c2kZZNOx8NVuYV-XKNRY2I9Wj4WrPhd-A9n/s1600/IMG_7790.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YkxkuWw4NsRwTBZVqQIPTwbwRpMUQxGUnFDk6KyqW2V22-FRxTMqGotGGWzqPxs6ql2szgs7kB5ZOmPymHNr0-K-L-z4c1V-DbKJQi3N5c2kZZNOx8NVuYV-XKNRY2I9Wj4WrPhd-A9n/s640/IMG_7790.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Santorini! </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Our total expenses;</b> </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Flights ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Volotea (MYR390)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">RyanAir (MYR185)</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Accomodation ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Musses Studio, Oia (MYR287)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/malliott-skoufou-apartment.en-gb.html?aid=397605;label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-unspec-my-com-L%3Aen-O%3AosSx-B%3Asafari-N%3Ayes-S%3Abo-U%3Asalo-H%3As;sid=820799d027ba9c1d2b91b18d9ffd9dbb" target="_blank">Skoufou Apartment, Athens</a> (MYR125)</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Rented Car (Santorini) ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">AVIS (MYR202 - full insurance coverage, full tank & additional hours allowance)</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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</div>
Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-63341156442791683562018-02-14T09:48:00.003+08:002018-02-23T10:36:25.950+08:00Long Awaited Getaway, Turkey & Greece; Part 2 - Athens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On 6th of January, we had an early flight to Athens, Greece. At 6am, we were already waiting for our shuttles to <a href="https://www.sabihagokcen.aero/homepage" target="_blank">Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport</a>. From Istanbul, it should take around 45 minutes to 1 hour journey to reach Sabiha Airport. Our flight was initially scheduled at 9am but was delayed to 11am. </div>
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Pro-tip;</div>
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Delays are a norm in Sabiha Airport as it serves as an airport that offers low airfares to either Europe or it's own country. There are no proper seating areas, so bear in mind to sit at fast-food joints (if there are any seats) or by the corridor. The traffic was unbelievably high, please arrive at least 3 hours at this airport to avoid unnecessary anxiety while queuing at the security scan & immigration. BE SURE TO CONSTANTLY CHECK THE DEPARTURE BOARD for gates and delays.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlPGWfaCECgXlNZKRvbS-CtlTftLuDFJmDe9a6lKtTkPJ1OKfU7uSqevrpWc6oLg1VHklgPLmbrhl9DKJFyxFugIAodFyBZtNgykmKsrh6Em6lGY7CzFpBP1k46xwzj1Ir-GSqNPrG2U7/s1600/DSCF3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlPGWfaCECgXlNZKRvbS-CtlTftLuDFJmDe9a6lKtTkPJ1OKfU7uSqevrpWc6oLg1VHklgPLmbrhl9DKJFyxFugIAodFyBZtNgykmKsrh6Em6lGY7CzFpBP1k46xwzj1Ir-GSqNPrG2U7/s640/DSCF3920.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis seen from Areopagus Hill.</td></tr>
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Around 12pm plus, alas we arrived <a href="https://www.aia.gr/traveler/" target="_blank">Athens International Airport</a>. From the airport, it took another 45 minutes to 1 hour for us to reach the city via train. Now, you might be tempted to not buy a ticket for the journey as the local never does. But being an obvious foreigner, why risk it? <a href="http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/travelling_in_greece/from_the_airport_to_athens" target="_blank">A return journey for one person took around 18 Euros and the ticket is valid for 24 hours.</a> The city however, had a different fare. It depends on how many days you'll be in Athens, you could choose a single journey, returns, 24 hours, and many more. You can refer <a href="https://www.athenstransport.com/english/" target="_blank">here</a> for more information.</div>
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After checking in at the hotel, we only had a few hours left before it gets dark to enjoy the city. We stayed around Omonoia Square and it had ample halal restaurants in the area. After a quick late lunch, we set out to venture Athens.</div>
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Initially we wanted to enter the Acropolis, but we arrived at 4.50pm in the compound. Acropolis closes at 5pm, the lady guard denied our entry even though we could still see a few people inside :( </div>
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The only option left was to explore the compound. We walked past the main entry of Acropolis & stumbled upon an elevated path. Following the path, we eventually reach a spot to enjoy Acropolis where a lot of tourists & locals were enjoying the sunset. This spot also allows us to enjoy the sunset while overlooking the city. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Athens...</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We were there for about 1 hour and we have absolutely zero idea where to go. So we decided to head to one of the main train station in Greece, Monastiraki - and enjoy what the square has to offer. Our decision was the best. It was our luck that on that particular day, there was a night street market & we got to enjoy some sweets before dinner. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW-qx8I0vBx6vi19HMK_fP3rNM9eYTTU3kpDwdAnaW_covI2zy2kYWYO3xHeI4laf6JSPk7oius1Ph1ytEaQjZKRBpUp3jWbgjD0Wmk0meiWq66fKk_jMO4TJHTrty3WOGQ8xHytiLKX1/s1600/DSCF3973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW-qx8I0vBx6vi19HMK_fP3rNM9eYTTU3kpDwdAnaW_covI2zy2kYWYO3xHeI4laf6JSPk7oius1Ph1ytEaQjZKRBpUp3jWbgjD0Wmk0meiWq66fKk_jMO4TJHTrty3WOGQ8xHytiLKX1/s640/DSCF3973.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet treats of vanilla cookies ice cream with half chimney cake at <a href="https://www.google.com.my/maps/place/Hans+%26+Gretel/@37.9760203,23.7238323,18.39z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x14a1bd22f51d923f:0x406e07ac7e46b557!2sHans+%26+Gretel!8m2!3d37.9757257!4d23.7247892!3m4!1s0x14a1bd22f51d923f:0x406e07ac7e46b557!8m2!3d37.9757257!4d23.7247892" target="_blank">Hans & Gretel</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl4q4HLwSTmqQ3UT077ZdjS-bMPwZ7XqHTrJm7DrRohOrI-k1u798iVT6embQzZZzuudDhs5_-NiiVJsEh20btKLYZ4eeDkGkYPdXbTKuxqnHIxomDyEAoqe4dD-iOb5LWe8uMNj_hEwf/s1600/DSCF3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl4q4HLwSTmqQ3UT077ZdjS-bMPwZ7XqHTrJm7DrRohOrI-k1u798iVT6embQzZZzuudDhs5_-NiiVJsEh20btKLYZ4eeDkGkYPdXbTKuxqnHIxomDyEAoqe4dD-iOb5LWe8uMNj_hEwf/s640/DSCF3993.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Be extra careful of professional pickpockets here - they acted as they were tourists, taking photos beside us while we were busy (taking photos/paying/etc) and their accomplices rummaged our bags for valuables. Hate this. Luckily nothing is missing as we were quick to notice them. </li>
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After dinner, we returned to our hotel and enjoy some hot tea at our hotel's rooftop. Acropolis was clearly seen from our hotel and it looked grand. Hundreds or maybe thousands of years worth architecture. From Athens, our next destination was Santorini - which will be blogged in later post! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Acropolis at night. Till then, bye Athens!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Our total expenses ;</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Flights ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Pegasus Airlines, Return (Istanbul Sabiha-Athens-Istanbul Sabiha), MYR1,402</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/bestwesternmyathenshotel.en-gb.html?aid=397605;label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-unspec-my-com-L%3Aen-O%3AosSx-B%3Asafari-N%3Ayes-S%3Abo-U%3Asalo-H%3As;sid=820799d027ba9c1d2b91b18d9ffd9dbb" target="_blank">Best Western Hotel, Athens</a> (MYR157)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Airport Transfers Istanbul-Sabiha Gokcen (10Euros/person)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Athens Airport - City Centre for 24 hours pass (18 Euros/person)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Allocate 15-20Euros/person/day if you have big tummy as we do. </span></li>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-76804820615024992752018-02-10T10:44:00.006+08:002018-02-23T10:36:44.532+08:00Long-awaited Getaway, Turkey & Greece ; Part 1 - Istanbul <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZUO0_PzCzXv_DXZO5yQQgFSwMil2jiRQMcgwXQeK_rRnYOq6bPYHm9bEXPi_TD2WxrTAAmxth308fHGV0WMExZOSulYJr9lA3Z73DFlI3SGTtAqDjLgZDgx5aL2Yy7Wkrwd47vpDQxpY/s1600/DSCF3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZUO0_PzCzXv_DXZO5yQQgFSwMil2jiRQMcgwXQeK_rRnYOq6bPYHm9bEXPi_TD2WxrTAAmxth308fHGV0WMExZOSulYJr9lA3Z73DFlI3SGTtAqDjLgZDgx5aL2Yy7Wkrwd47vpDQxpY/s400/DSCF3817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our 2018 started with an impromptu getaway that was planned only 2 weeks prior to departure. Out of the blues, we suddenly decided to get on a holiday covering Turkey & Greece. Our holiday took a total of 13 days from beginning to middle of January. Although the initial plan was to cover Iran as well, but we had to re-route our getaway last minute before our flights were booked.</div>
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A pro-tip for cheap European flights, AirAsia offers return ticket to Tehran for almost less than RM1000 most of the time. Also, we found out that Tehran is a cheap European flights hub for practically anywhere, or at least their neighbouring countries. The excitement of finding cheap return European flights from Kuala Lumpur can be truly overwhelming. Hence, maybe if you are travelling to Europe in the near future, you could consider this tip. We eventually chose Emirates with a 15 hour layover in Dubai for our return flights to Istanbul.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH06jt7QuTRZg8T-MGBAq2vZ_fZs850b4HP5zKxEC7p4nOdPcuTyZeCfrTpavUum99qYoAvtdbWm_f_MttfGUgGlW4tl49O6JZA0nIig-EiDzoVpPUw5Nxp-1Vb53LcP8RHeLvHe9qICB/s1600/DSCF3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUH06jt7QuTRZg8T-MGBAq2vZ_fZs850b4HP5zKxEC7p4nOdPcuTyZeCfrTpavUum99qYoAvtdbWm_f_MttfGUgGlW4tl49O6JZA0nIig-EiDzoVpPUw5Nxp-1Vb53LcP8RHeLvHe9qICB/s640/DSCF3664.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliving Costa coffee memories in Dubai Airport. Missing Sheffield.</td></tr>
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We both love Istanbul. And it's our second time visiting this city. The aesthetics presentation it has is so different from any other part of any European countries. It's a unique blend of Asia, Europe and beautiful streets. We love the random street around Istanbul too. The colourful signages, cobblestone paths, everything! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHUTPyRDu7uTw-irwt8IW4qtRbC1NOhHkox4rw7y7vsc8jOtqlEJJiao7LVuC_x1ag2oB6qTO7a3dJvh5A7v2puD8lHOA8ZUpLG0xh16FOMGPBDtwR4lCSJbPvdOND0F0rb1EDI-oMbL9/s1600/DSCF3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHUTPyRDu7uTw-irwt8IW4qtRbC1NOhHkox4rw7y7vsc8jOtqlEJJiao7LVuC_x1ag2oB6qTO7a3dJvh5A7v2puD8lHOA8ZUpLG0xh16FOMGPBDtwR4lCSJbPvdOND0F0rb1EDI-oMbL9/s640/DSCF3673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And obviously, I love the cats roaming around the city. They were fluffy, tame and well-fed. What is Istanbul without their street cats?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4i4cBplITnoEYFGbM5WxgXrV4CYdB3h_YP-uU7vvs7XLkMw75t-TX0ODazNlZfcF5joC7X1AAM8cIYpeDoMTG8EFMGAYrqqPITj60mBv-5mDhS0XzRIBpjrUjnk0wwUyi_Zrvb-i7bcX/s1600/DSCF3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4i4cBplITnoEYFGbM5WxgXrV4CYdB3h_YP-uU7vvs7XLkMw75t-TX0ODazNlZfcF5joC7X1AAM8cIYpeDoMTG8EFMGAYrqqPITj60mBv-5mDhS0XzRIBpjrUjnk0wwUyi_Zrvb-i7bcX/s640/DSCF3729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I previously mentioned, it was our second time in Istanbul however separately. We did a lot of non-historical sites sight-seeing. But there was one historic building we both could not miss visiting again. And it was the Hagia Sophia. <a href="http://ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr/en/visiting-information" target="_blank">Tickets were priced at 40TL per person</a> which equals to almost MYR41.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvbQXdGdYWkpsSg5wHKbIBgaPcPINA0MPXtLzNGogwVQWsbIDU10AuP6OSpI5ECOiWhCOjP1asoQy9EMXjDjZ8jWDmfUehygclU7rE5Z4ygyL8EiwP8qkd-lQp5lGSeKInA8ki70tmPg/s1600/DSCF3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvbQXdGdYWkpsSg5wHKbIBgaPcPINA0MPXtLzNGogwVQWsbIDU10AuP6OSpI5ECOiWhCOjP1asoQy9EMXjDjZ8jWDmfUehygclU7rE5Z4ygyL8EiwP8qkd-lQp5lGSeKInA8ki70tmPg/s640/DSCF3796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hagia Sophia was still under construction from the last I visited in 2015. We loved the stone works and tiny mosaics plastered along the ceiling and walls. It never cease to amaze us how such building was beautifully built and exists in a synchronised harmony of Christian and Islam. Next, in case anyone who have not visited Istanbul, the infamous <a href="http://www.bluemosque.co/" target="_blank">Sultan Ahmed Mosque aka Blue Mosque </a>is located just across the compound from Hagia Sophia. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdWTP9WndhzqsidxyLlzYySOIeOoeJNZzVNmAn6giMHi1JXq0FKeXnl3mCJ8pOf52ruMctpptCwVMxJ0LPBxiNIBEahhyphenhyphenC28mHM3qf3dw1CL7VcCiQ1FrWSHO1lT54A6yYslII5SQEcsj/s1600/DSCF3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdWTP9WndhzqsidxyLlzYySOIeOoeJNZzVNmAn6giMHi1JXq0FKeXnl3mCJ8pOf52ruMctpptCwVMxJ0LPBxiNIBEahhyphenhyphenC28mHM3qf3dw1CL7VcCiQ1FrWSHO1lT54A6yYslII5SQEcsj/s640/DSCF3866.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enjoy hot apple tea or Turkish coffee overlooking Hagia Sophia & the Blue Mosque on a winter's evening. A memory worth remembering. We spent the rest of our evening walking around the city, eating local snacks before eventually decided to have dinner. </div>
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We were told what we picked was an authentic Anatolian dish, but I already forgot what was the name. The dish however, was splendid with out of this world huge portions for one. We dined in a restaurant hence prices here were a bit expensive. If you are on a budget, opt for street stalls selling durums or doners. It was way cheaper that dining in a restaurant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU0h8Mp8VWr2BowT1_DTbHbJgMfc6wX3TpCGlY0WH9e-G9TfNm9tmFambqn6pRIx-a9ARmD1z_xOzplLUcFW_0dZPpoy_ZMC55eAqUJknXincD3sf6pA4TXDMzWHLoHOk4pp-qd59yYwC/s1600/DSCF3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU0h8Mp8VWr2BowT1_DTbHbJgMfc6wX3TpCGlY0WH9e-G9TfNm9tmFambqn6pRIx-a9ARmD1z_xOzplLUcFW_0dZPpoy_ZMC55eAqUJknXincD3sf6pA4TXDMzWHLoHOk4pp-qd59yYwC/s640/DSCF3891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our first day in Istanbul was a laid-back one. It felt as if we were on old people's vacation. By 7pm, we were back in our hotel, getting ready to sleep.<br />
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Addition;<br />
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<li style="text-align: justify;">From Istanbul Ataturk Airport, we chose to arrive at the city via train. Follow the train sign & buy <a href="https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/" target="_blank">istanbulkart</a> for the city. The card itself was priced around 6TL and the fare to the city was around 14TL for two person. You can buy only one card for multiple person but you HAVE to have enough train fares for everyone.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Whatever you do, even how tempting this <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Hotel_Review-g293974-d1464950-Reviews-Grand_Esen_Hotel-Istanbul.html" target="_blank">Grand Esen Hotel</a> offers for a night in Istanbul, just don't. They push customers who booked via any agent websites to a dirty, unkept, and poor service hotel in the area. </li>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Our expenses ;</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Flight ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Emirates Airline, KUL-IST-KUL (MYR4,693 for two)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Accommodation ; </b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2 nights in Istanbul (MYR262)</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Transportation ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Istanbul Ataturk Airport - City Centre (20TL for two person)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Around the city - free if you tour on foot</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Entrance Fees ;</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hagia Sophia (40TL/person)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.istanbultouristpass.com/istanbul-pass" target="_blank">Check here for site passes and fees in Istanbul</a> </span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Food ;</b> </span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Allocate 20-25 TL per person/day of you have big tummy as we does</span></li>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-59221444184540641862018-02-09T19:24:00.003+08:002018-02-09T19:30:21.914+08:00Purification of the Heart.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qc6e9v9MeDJNuZF5fTZOd5XK_S6lKTeA7ALa8L3gnXz18zrZBdxDip9fg0E0rPFO5t_c1EEcP9L3cXe6iKyHYZcdYajRMWYpMgBcXAG4zp4t-mg-YJXxuLNa1Yo1sOOxd4SFKrC3fcPM/s1600/water-3139329_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qc6e9v9MeDJNuZF5fTZOd5XK_S6lKTeA7ALa8L3gnXz18zrZBdxDip9fg0E0rPFO5t_c1EEcP9L3cXe6iKyHYZcdYajRMWYpMgBcXAG4zp4t-mg-YJXxuLNa1Yo1sOOxd4SFKrC3fcPM/s320/water-3139329_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a while since I've written anything personal here in this blogosphere. All this while, whenever unpleasant event happened I would vent on people around me. Be it my husband, my friends, colleagues or family. Soon after, I found out that venting out at other people gives a negative vibe of yourself to others. People don't take you as an optimist. </div>
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Ever since I've read on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Purification-Heart-Symptoms-Spiritual-Diseases/dp/1929694156" target="_blank"><i>Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf</i></a>, I've learnt to keep all negative thoughts inside and made peace with it. Even so, I still felt somehow unpleasant/annoyed whenever a person or a situation fluctuates beyond my expectation. But it was getting better now. We moved state. From living in an urban city, in the midst of all things, we moved to a remote place where the fanciest thing here was a fast-food joint that was established more than 20 years ago. </div>
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Yet, I was not disturbed by it. I was content. I was at peace. And believe me, if you are here, you would agree. It felt as if returning to nature was the best thing to do to connect with oneself. </div>
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I'm happy, and for it, I am truly grateful. Alhamdulillah. </div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-49822494406593998592017-07-19T17:19:00.001+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.387+08:00Mount Rinjani ; Do's and Dont's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZHQ9gPxX3cjLWZg8RVL51KvukjK3kaJGilkSxEo3VgMeS8-jWLKvxj0RJPMJU0L8JYbUdyufu03zHSHHtGWuOhTyljPP4BHXhEkZdrEEYNjvHA_M-Lqubs41yRL8ap-3GGtxOwES6doG/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZHQ9gPxX3cjLWZg8RVL51KvukjK3kaJGilkSxEo3VgMeS8-jWLKvxj0RJPMJU0L8JYbUdyufu03zHSHHtGWuOhTyljPP4BHXhEkZdrEEYNjvHA_M-Lqubs41yRL8ap-3GGtxOwES6doG/s640/IMG_3703.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mount Rinjani, the hidden gem of Indonesia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is truly hidden because in order for you to reach the beauty, you have to hike for 8 hours at least every day! Still, it was one of my most epic, unpredictable & most memorable experience of all our travels so far. From </span>amateur<span style="font-family: inherit;"> hikers, here are our Do's & Don't at Mount Rinjani, Indonesia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring a light luggage as you will eventually have to hire a porter that carries all kind of food & beverages you can ever think of while going up. It's Indonesia's law. International hikers are compulsory to hire a porter (in our case we got 3) at Mount Rinjani. Ours were splendid. They cooked incredible meals, carried around 5-6 litres of drinking water & has been a fantastic guide. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpFLbUR5VicprnLPHs66wb83PFYTbNrwpRdPh5kQo4mOfmO8vcFANK0WcF_9vQX-mu2NKxdWQMW7gu9gOHiDQmN01PCRs0r3y9KCZFu75miKOlc4KXdwEQOJU5i430l07o2fCb6kmFnYv/s1600/IMG_3501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpFLbUR5VicprnLPHs66wb83PFYTbNrwpRdPh5kQo4mOfmO8vcFANK0WcF_9vQX-mu2NKxdWQMW7gu9gOHiDQmN01PCRs0r3y9KCZFu75miKOlc4KXdwEQOJU5i430l07o2fCb6kmFnYv/s640/IMG_3501.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgers at 2600m above sea level anyone?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We booked them through an </span>acquaintance<span style="font-family: inherit;"> who has been to Rinjani before. The person in-charge is Ahmed (+62 817 5720076). Ahmed even arranged return airport transfer AND 2 nights </span>accommodation<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at base camp before and after the hike for only USD150/person. Awesome. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't ; </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Carry big luggage/backpacks. It's not worth the exhaustion. Even the fittest person we met there said he regretted bringing a huge luggage as the tracks were too challenging to handle. Smaller luggage, one less thing to worry about. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_DjlqKQPXzCijz8BJROGMv3bYneYfHxcTMYrqHM25_JlzfzGBT4lYT03lGfrmIq5MjyAiT7Xy2jYVLRjnOnFQ7pUHpZBuJCmkx1boU7gzTmyg30K-HUAbfmcsFNUeMNA5M7KebsJ_gik/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_DjlqKQPXzCijz8BJROGMv3bYneYfHxcTMYrqHM25_JlzfzGBT4lYT03lGfrmIq5MjyAiT7Xy2jYVLRjnOnFQ7pUHpZBuJCmkx1boU7gzTmyg30K-HUAbfmcsFNUeMNA5M7KebsJ_gik/s640/IMG_3530.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepare to carry a huge physical (and emotional) baggage up. Pun intended.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Do ; </b></span><br />
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Try to reach early at the Sembalun base in order for you to enjoy sunset with hot lemon tea as this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAhC1NeReC0Q0lDhCOr9OOhLzjsSrQQou-2lwauThLtVfzFMLuA9CMa5Oo6xZXcYWYvPt0HILbutrZsYA72ap6k0XZ3UqExC4S0Uwaw8b_d4xpluciRK4INxb1dABqnRqmautkRCOzRYK/s1600/IMG_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAhC1NeReC0Q0lDhCOr9OOhLzjsSrQQou-2lwauThLtVfzFMLuA9CMa5Oo6xZXcYWYvPt0HILbutrZsYA72ap6k0XZ3UqExC4S0Uwaw8b_d4xpluciRK4INxb1dABqnRqmautkRCOzRYK/s640/IMG_3694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Tips; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">If you could, do travel in smaller group (3-4 person). Smaller group tend to move faster than bigger ones which enables you to reach your camp (which has been set up by your porters) early and rest. Eventually, enjoying a view of a lifetime such as this! </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't ; </span></b></div>
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Stop at a checkpoint too long. Bukit Penyesalan (literally the name of the hill translates to Remorse Hill) has a lot of checkpoints. Which I get it, after 6 hours of steep hiking when the top was still nowhere to be seen, it was easy to feel remorse and leaving you wanting to sit & rest your legs longer. But no, avoid sitting at checkpoints for more than 5 minutes, otherwise you will reach the top when it was already dark. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AJBl08aJwchcmJCClyXPpbhuMqrTtfbqHO_TcoQhsVMnv1EXg8YAC09tCeNZk7s5xCbVJlmVv50horCA9A5PsMYhiKj6ijY0e3gUyIOeDtsTDvcnwVcioCcg5S-KVvXH2fexlbGYvCyJ/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AJBl08aJwchcmJCClyXPpbhuMqrTtfbqHO_TcoQhsVMnv1EXg8YAC09tCeNZk7s5xCbVJlmVv50horCA9A5PsMYhiKj6ijY0e3gUyIOeDtsTDvcnwVcioCcg5S-KVvXH2fexlbGYvCyJ/s640/IMG_3691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Do ; </b></span></div>
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Enjoy midnight stars when you are at Sembalun base. This is why reaching there early is important. After you are able to rest, you can start enjoying what nature has to offer at night over at Sembalun! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos0EsT3w9tNzoXW_9w1UR7Hei0ie_ucDP-gEzX2Yd6Vuc7cQsBmvOooodSsYdiV3XR9oMJZA9-Or9Ns01n9v1W-Oiv6SPsK2jav_XibDwGot40ctoMzO0x47I-N3QmIpQcll3PqRz5WLa/s1600/IMG_3510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos0EsT3w9tNzoXW_9w1UR7Hei0ie_ucDP-gEzX2Yd6Vuc7cQsBmvOooodSsYdiV3XR9oMJZA9-Or9Ns01n9v1W-Oiv6SPsK2jav_XibDwGot40ctoMzO0x47I-N3QmIpQcll3PqRz5WLa/s640/IMG_3510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And get up early & fresh for you to shoot envious photo such as this. Hehe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep_JcYrKjwHRHFTETPBu1yACZrxL0quEIJNu6z3B_TY64LMHv3tYaKD6mx6yTJ8w5HfpD38rId0mXuErg7hQYPyHoR8eO1NUPf2tSikHA2ybTgz4iilj6K_wn58rnU0lClRyA3f_Xix-L/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep_JcYrKjwHRHFTETPBu1yACZrxL0quEIJNu6z3B_TY64LMHv3tYaKD6mx6yTJ8w5HfpD38rId0mXuErg7hQYPyHoR8eO1NUPf2tSikHA2ybTgz4iilj6K_wn58rnU0lClRyA3f_Xix-L/s640/IMG_3481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1Wzz1dt_qlbxSR48Yuukn687Fan8LyJxAcyXkGb9skqf4aiWfAnwrh9uN85ic84RQgx0JZo7FrDWvgslc2uzc3f6SCI1nFn2mj-yd2fsyPLVhj19MuLn7WOzCJmFxpBpdsPj0PZotVzx/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1Wzz1dt_qlbxSR48Yuukn687Fan8LyJxAcyXkGb9skqf4aiWfAnwrh9uN85ic84RQgx0JZo7FrDWvgslc2uzc3f6SCI1nFn2mj-yd2fsyPLVhj19MuLn7WOzCJmFxpBpdsPj0PZotVzx/s640/IMG_3699.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from before descending and ascending again. The end of the crater on top of the hill was our next destination of the day.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't ; </span></b></div>
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Set your camp/tent too near to each other. You have to set in mind that there are zero washroom facilities up there. Hence, to do the number 1 & 2, you have to do it in a dug up soil. Request your porter to find a golden spot (ours surpassed platinum even!) to set up the tent. If you are close to each other, emm, well...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd8hgk9V2B7_Ou4US4U80bSL0RT3sKtflRv_wVeI5YfW6k5jfLLGZ52aw_HKRxIFtAr05pv1_eCFAIvw_9FwbNwZUAZvKRf12p1pEMNeEvtM_if4QxS-B3nlhmYZMWWVILpba1B3Oruyj/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDd8hgk9V2B7_Ou4US4U80bSL0RT3sKtflRv_wVeI5YfW6k5jfLLGZ52aw_HKRxIFtAr05pv1_eCFAIvw_9FwbNwZUAZvKRf12p1pEMNeEvtM_if4QxS-B3nlhmYZMWWVILpba1B3Oruyj/s640/IMG_3701.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our tent luckily. Imagine the *smell* and *fossils* you can find when you are too close to each other!</td></tr>
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Continue your journey after Sembalun base to Senaru base even if you can't feel your legs anymore after yesterday's vigorous hiking. The journey was this amazing. Please stop by Segara Anak & enjoy the steaming volcano while having your lunch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1y-4XMCighANLMNTyzB9d_8cpxdNl94qW1t7x_w8py0dazu7Uu7vpd47zEPzJZhKwumahQfbcXO546AvtlxqgQ4u3rpSg_YbiwfkiKO9-dEgqIoreV8juQzLfYfNoNGa3CbkTbCuIY9V/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1y-4XMCighANLMNTyzB9d_8cpxdNl94qW1t7x_w8py0dazu7Uu7vpd47zEPzJZhKwumahQfbcXO546AvtlxqgQ4u3rpSg_YbiwfkiKO9-dEgqIoreV8juQzLfYfNoNGa3CbkTbCuIY9V/s640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was actually after lunch & we have started our journey to Senaru base.</td></tr>
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Forget to wake up early, and take photo of the summit (Rinjani) and it's volcano from Senaru base.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubiqYkrdfHUaraYHiKLdMfMEVwT4Lxpz3Eb-Gh7HyyjqnY7FE3JPEbQ1K2nl2NzMpblXElMcy7pYNTDnTFhXA0EI-9iUN8nChHOCKPKIIg2mQgBzWQRmVZFnw-k2zickPrATUpkjenpb/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ubiqYkrdfHUaraYHiKLdMfMEVwT4Lxpz3Eb-Gh7HyyjqnY7FE3JPEbQ1K2nl2NzMpblXElMcy7pYNTDnTFhXA0EI-9iUN8nChHOCKPKIIg2mQgBzWQRmVZFnw-k2zickPrATUpkjenpb/s640/IMG_3539.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit & it's baby. </td></tr>
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Get a good rest after you have travelled down & enjoy the local view around Senaru villages in Lombok. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwQSfu1WC7eJcIzAO5pIP9doGE8LqNIZkCdwUeeq_YYGIk1uhFlErkQW6aQBooGi3a_G7uQZLGnRaW3UPdFJvbMoTJcJyPxUYN7ABNmHhF2m_vM5kyEzvY980mdDe21GC1QwyHmT_nKGH/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwQSfu1WC7eJcIzAO5pIP9doGE8LqNIZkCdwUeeq_YYGIk1uhFlErkQW6aQBooGi3a_G7uQZLGnRaW3UPdFJvbMoTJcJyPxUYN7ABNmHhF2m_vM5kyEzvY980mdDe21GC1QwyHmT_nKGH/s640/IMG_3725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We do not continue to the summit because we are a pair of amateur with zero training in hiking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Please do not be afraid to take Ibuprofen/Paracetamol for your aches before you sleep. It works wonder for the next morning in order for you to continue your journey. </span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-66534274915827459142017-07-16T21:45:00.000+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.691+08:00Top 5 Places to Visit in Krabi, Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKOu_RAi3cvGi3b_4M6udJLmMi-VIny1thLXhG2txbI-wSi2eK_h0CxhRlwH0m9ghyFSlNHTEQZxdm8Z8Pd_5RdjuSb6EHN2K9DGrYSlmAAtkTzBXMMYAZ-iOXHEJvwuA-L0e1Ja81tUg/s1600/IMG_2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKOu_RAi3cvGi3b_4M6udJLmMi-VIny1thLXhG2txbI-wSi2eK_h0CxhRlwH0m9ghyFSlNHTEQZxdm8Z8Pd_5RdjuSb6EHN2K9DGrYSlmAAtkTzBXMMYAZ-iOXHEJvwuA-L0e1Ja81tUg/s640/IMG_2585.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.seekrabi.com/krabi/hot-springs/emerald-pool-sra-morakot-emerald-pond-crystal-pool/" target="_blank">Blue Pool</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vx-rYo2z5uw2hUTkKzAUyKukTuBeEcmEG3hRyKThi9c0B4vvNKhoYhzN17LVE5aO5LjA_5r3Yq7r_9pWExzxyO8R8pcx3GRosicbrH___qugkfheZFdQiQdy8sAvFEDR1k6M0g-k1I9l/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Vx-rYo2z5uw2hUTkKzAUyKukTuBeEcmEG3hRyKThi9c0B4vvNKhoYhzN17LVE5aO5LjA_5r3Yq7r_9pWExzxyO8R8pcx3GRosicbrH___qugkfheZFdQiQdy8sAvFEDR1k6M0g-k1I9l/s640/IMG_2833.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever visited Krabi have to make it compulsory to visit the Blue Pool (which is the photo I used for the cover post by the way). The pool is accessible by 1.4KM boardwalks from the entrance. It may cause someone with low heat tolerance to have anxiety (blame tropical humidity & thick forests) before reaching the pool. But once you are there, humidity and mosquitoes can't beat the crystal clear periwinkle blue water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The journey was about 23KM from city centre by which if you took any day trip packages available, the Blue Pool is hardly will be missed. Admission was 200 THB (MYR 25) per person which provides you access to the Emerald Pool as well. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://www.krabi-tourism.com/krabi/krabi-elephant-tours.htm" target="_blank">Elephant Trekking</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHEiqoRvFZIWQrteHEu4llBCVZ0HvD-XVEqaxx8fdmWd5RfuVL8zb1DyiEGcSBiADgdLlF7ub120_ZuN2oQFi0A3s0dVq14Qh21ECW7F8gDVxl8XHQWGNFLcVV_DVAZewmDMEN42D9tSt/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHEiqoRvFZIWQrteHEu4llBCVZ0HvD-XVEqaxx8fdmWd5RfuVL8zb1DyiEGcSBiADgdLlF7ub120_ZuN2oQFi0A3s0dVq14Qh21ECW7F8gDVxl8XHQWGNFLcVV_DVAZewmDMEN42D9tSt/s640/IMG_2869.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those who are fond to the lovely, gentle giants, please do venture on an elephant trek in Krabi! There are multiple range of packages available from a 1-2 hour trek (from 800 THB) up to a half day trek across the jungle (from 1,850 THB)!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g303908-d1598531-Reviews-Bamboo_Island-Ko_Phi_Phi_Don_Krabi_Province.html" target="_blank">Bamboo Island</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJ2MfIxpEnt3pdwM0wYz_gLtqiC7VxAlPM32fFAA0VZkqs3mHviSW_2pgzaub1XjLUAEV5o0gBFrKWR-zoOjHr6q1CLsXEMGdvI9vau_oYb670DiyEwD8WbG3_whqFRwHaC-Rmg8GJ-g/s1600/IMG_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pJ2MfIxpEnt3pdwM0wYz_gLtqiC7VxAlPM32fFAA0VZkqs3mHviSW_2pgzaub1XjLUAEV5o0gBFrKWR-zoOjHr6q1CLsXEMGdvI9vau_oYb670DiyEwD8WbG3_whqFRwHaC-Rmg8GJ-g/s640/IMG_2892.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy azure, vast open-sea with multi-coloured blue and crystal clear sandy beaches. Take a speed-boat day trip island hopping to the Bamboo Island which you definitely can't miss when visiting Krabi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day trip ranges from 1,500 THB up to 8,000 THB if you fancy a private lunch & tea time overlooking the Andaman Sea.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://www.phuket.com/island/phiphi.htm" target="_blank">Phi Phi Island</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdNe9o43KoG1aduwmHDLd-U8dt-DAHUOTb7Uaj4Tee6ZNZHCpOxJA6uBa9vFxDcA4KHtK2aRDXYKysoa9fMBI-lk-f4l4hcgVYKmHjj3U1lYz2g_lKgUG_ZC6oYA6-Ki2LxYfyCgVf39k/s1600/IMG_2957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdNe9o43KoG1aduwmHDLd-U8dt-DAHUOTb7Uaj4Tee6ZNZHCpOxJA6uBa9vFxDcA4KHtK2aRDXYKysoa9fMBI-lk-f4l4hcgVYKmHjj3U1lYz2g_lKgUG_ZC6oYA6-Ki2LxYfyCgVf39k/s640/IMG_2957.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please do not miss swimming at the beach that was made famous by Leonardo DeCaprio in one of his movies. Phi Phi Island was only 20 - 30 minutes away from the aforementioned Bamboo Island. And the good news is, when you took a day trip to Bamboo Island, the package normally includes a stop at Phi Phi Island too!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Tourism-g1507054-Ao_Nang_Krabi_Town_Krabi_Province-Vacations.html" target="_blank">Ao Nang Beach</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZbvpaZGdgxGjFm-RjpJe-FvGt7TPImODweOiyd-jVRwbvLGcSjNJe70254A3kWtoOvjHBcMtimqVOr4DuQXL7wpT5rbvptj4WUx5tqtgV90cpTkkhHnrn3TAmUkoycmL_sBq1E7__bG/s1600/IMG_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZbvpaZGdgxGjFm-RjpJe-FvGt7TPImODweOiyd-jVRwbvLGcSjNJe70254A3kWtoOvjHBcMtimqVOr4DuQXL7wpT5rbvptj4WUx5tqtgV90cpTkkhHnrn3TAmUkoycmL_sBq1E7__bG/s640/IMG_3030.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On days where you would like to relax, or unwind after a whole day of snorkelling & island hopping, Ao Nang beach is the place. The waves are gentle, producing a serene sound to calm our mind and body anytime of the day. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BONUS : <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g293920-i20661080-Phuket.html" target="_blank">Loh Samah Bay</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDeE2BcSQWqbXPLYUXxUGR1agDDC8uLSgNMNR0SZfNnTvcSpLt-4kTs3StpRWgXV1Mb9-v5nllGHeobXOMC2IMNJ3aeocoq3SAGPBH82xTeOo7-6PXRyKeG8ITDZBc26gMDDKVBI5oOqc/s1600/IMG_2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDeE2BcSQWqbXPLYUXxUGR1agDDC8uLSgNMNR0SZfNnTvcSpLt-4kTs3StpRWgXV1Mb9-v5nllGHeobXOMC2IMNJ3aeocoq3SAGPBH82xTeOo7-6PXRyKeG8ITDZBc26gMDDKVBI5oOqc/s640/IMG_2943.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is advisable not to be missed when you are at Phi Phi Island. It took only about 15 minutes on foot by the sandy island to reach here. You are able to swim here too due to the lack of sea current. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Tips : </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Book your trips at the airport upon arrival through the agencies available. We managed to score 5,000 THB/pax for 4 days 3 nights tour to all attractions mentioned including airport transfer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For muslims, book a hotel at Ao Nang beach proximity as they offers a lot of halal street foods.</span></li>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-90214958273338470932017-06-06T15:35:00.000+08:002018-02-14T10:00:52.096+08:00Discover Down Under [ Part 5 : Milford Sound, Dunedin & Moeraki Boulders ] <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Milford Sound,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">is a fraction of what Paradise should look like. Yet, the amazing scenery never failed anyone. Milford Sound is located about 73 miles or 1 hour 45 minutes from Te Anau. The highway we took was SH94 and is dubbed as New Zealand's most scenic highway by The Telegraph UK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They weren't lying. It was the best drive of all our lives ever experienced. The highway has a combination of highs and lows, passing through deep tunnels, across the mountains and tall, lanky forests. One could only imagine so much until one has experienced it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Milford Sound is great place to enjoy and digest spectacular nature that has been formed over the years. In order to do so, multiple companies offered their best packages to cruise along the fiord. The one we took was from <a href="http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/milford-sound-scenic-cruise/" target="_blank">Southern Discoveries</a>. It costs fromNZD 20.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tips :</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Food catered on board the cruise are halal thanks to multiplying numbers of Muslim travellers each year.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They offer eat-all-you can lunch buffet inclusive in the payment.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUNNuihMFpcTfapEb4MHnhuXk6KgOBD0G1zOXCJtiodeyL7iKE8rFtKh5LkWjbw6c0f3WH0tj35AQOGVT0RVsBlYNZvQysyU6xwVoGhVkIMemCf27DWZ8W0WiP2B5w9u3IXPNH4eStojP/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUNNuihMFpcTfapEb4MHnhuXk6KgOBD0G1zOXCJtiodeyL7iKE8rFtKh5LkWjbw6c0f3WH0tj35AQOGVT0RVsBlYNZvQysyU6xwVoGhVkIMemCf27DWZ8W0WiP2B5w9u3IXPNH4eStojP/s640/IMG_0850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We met a Malaysian girl working in one of the cruise ship under New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa. It was her 3rd time renewing the visa she said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cruise trips took about 2-3 hours up until 1 night stay depending on which package you opt for. The cruise ship will sail until the open sea where Tasmanian Islands could be seen on brighter days.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6DmsACXk-XqE6CPDiLYfWKUEcc8dSwLolvd0BAWYoNixttiQ30QcHW53AScV1MTDAhVICo6VklfYdW9q5vMNxA2GsP9u3Q2J7sGkNgMfM6bwunl9Ner_MWLA6LUcIYs7IAk6BisqY-ua/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6DmsACXk-XqE6CPDiLYfWKUEcc8dSwLolvd0BAWYoNixttiQ30QcHW53AScV1MTDAhVICo6VklfYdW9q5vMNxA2GsP9u3Q2J7sGkNgMfM6bwunl9Ner_MWLA6LUcIYs7IAk6BisqY-ua/s640/IMG_0854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had the chance to witness a pack of seals resting over a rock nearby the open sea. On those lucky days, our captain did mention we might be able to witness dolphins swimming side by side the cruise ships. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MlNt8xb_dLtTR7wM422jwl_qYXJPblIVNrb-dFVaqMd2F9pT_PDQ9LE2_IGAaSrAI9LmslbKbozSU3LZulsk-_Feli63sjdteAK73N_oI7ICxPK9vqZK7iEdgnsNxHaXG6-_gBTsNz-H/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MlNt8xb_dLtTR7wM422jwl_qYXJPblIVNrb-dFVaqMd2F9pT_PDQ9LE2_IGAaSrAI9LmslbKbozSU3LZulsk-_Feli63sjdteAK73N_oI7ICxPK9vqZK7iEdgnsNxHaXG6-_gBTsNz-H/s640/IMG_0865.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our trip took only about a half day in Milford Sound and we set for Dunedin on the same day itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On our way, we get to see the changes of geography and scenery. Towards west of New Zealand, the roads were hilly and a lot of mountains can be seen. But heading further south, the geography was less hilly, a little bit flat but it was still beautiful nonetheless. We had a one night stay in Dunedin on the very same day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day, due to time shortage, we decided to just stay in town and enjoy the oldest train station built in New Zealand. Nearby the station, there was a Cadbury Studio as well. We were planning to go down further south as the man at our reception told there was a place to see penguins. But we forgot it was a Sunday and for some reason, that particular Sunday serves as a national public holiday. Everything was closed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qHYefpik_xNXbULJ-2Vkelfr9NqmXWqhyiAIdwQQtsaRzgCeQ-UA5Uq8SDYUc3_vWhmmYb6H0MgpcJwWLMF25X9LCLK_eQgsCPBsF3_Bk11iN0ttMWkzGIIPnNfZrNNwtyj5LhBB6Nsn/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qHYefpik_xNXbULJ-2Vkelfr9NqmXWqhyiAIdwQQtsaRzgCeQ-UA5Uq8SDYUc3_vWhmmYb6H0MgpcJwWLMF25X9LCLK_eQgsCPBsF3_Bk11iN0ttMWkzGIIPnNfZrNNwtyj5LhBB6Nsn/s640/IMG_0967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead, we decided to hop on our caravan and set for early journey to Christchurch, where we would have a very early flight the next morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of us felt bittersweet as we didn't have much time to enjoy more in New Zealand. So along the way, we decided to make one last stop at New Zealand's tourist attraction which is known as Moeraki Boulders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;">Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave-cut </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otago" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Otago">Otago</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;"> coast of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="New Zealand">New Zealand</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;"> between Moeraki and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampden,_New_Zealand" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Hampden, New Zealand">Hampden</a>. We are lucky we had the chance to witness such weird formation. It was only a brief stop for photos and toilet, we continued our journey next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we reach Christchurch, we knew that this was the end of our Down Under Trip. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One more stop to go, which was Sydney before we head back to Malaysia. </span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-88843141309809597952016-08-14T19:57:00.000+08:002016-08-14T20:00:32.321+08:00Our Baby Journey.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3e62h8ncgI5ApaJzTMhrCi4zcx7f3_71swzwTdIceBaShWSh0MK7cfVtxUDicXJ0lsqdzE1vVUcZDtP_gQCGONWTkEjqqSJcVJDCWukeNSXw1n0JzHl16mNvcmmmnvhgaYyCxNWwBep/s1600/assalamualaikum1_zps328fb016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3e62h8ncgI5ApaJzTMhrCi4zcx7f3_71swzwTdIceBaShWSh0MK7cfVtxUDicXJ0lsqdzE1vVUcZDtP_gQCGONWTkEjqqSJcVJDCWukeNSXw1n0JzHl16mNvcmmmnvhgaYyCxNWwBep/s320/assalamualaikum1_zps328fb016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Swipes dust. Teehee. It has been a month now since I last blog. Yet, my New Zealand entry is still unfinished. It has been almost a year since we've been to New Zealand! How crazy is that? Time passes sooooooooo quickly! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">But heyyy, I'm still blogging. At least. Right ? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Sooooo, my post title is terribly misleading. I know. I purposely does it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For enlightenment, we weren't pregnant. Yet. However, our journey has started years back. Safe to say, almost 3 and half years back. For the first few month of marriage, I was scared of the thought of pregnancy. I wasn't ready to have a child, while my husband was staying so far away with me. What more I was living with <b>his</b> parents at the time. I didn't know who they were, they didn't know who I was. For our first 6 months into marriage, we held it back. We were young, we didn't thought the journey would a long and various heartbreaks away. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the time we were ready, we kept on trying. And tried. But to no avail. There were few moments where my menses were late and I was beyond excited. There was this one time, my menses were late by almost 3 weeks and I couldn't wait to get a pregnancy test. I actually went out to Watsons and get myself a set of ClearBlue tests. The girl at the cashier couldn't shed off her weird stare at me but I couldn't care less. I had a short stature and people often incorrectly guessed my age. They thought I am younger. Long story short, I went back home & ripped off the pack and get tested. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a negative. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And it has been a negative since the last 3 and half years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were a few times I actually cried myself to sleep seeing friends who were just got married 3 months ago, announcing their pregnancy. There were times I was very emotionally unstable that I had muted or unfollowed certain people who keep updating about their pregnancy journey/newborn child. It's not their fault. Who here is not excited to have their own child? Much less expected first born? </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">But it was too much for me. At the time, I had went for many appointments, went through many cycles of hormones which drives me crazy & gaining weight uncontrollably. I even go and search for supplements, googled various positions and tips for pregnancy. But somehow it wasn't working. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things seemed to cool down when I had the chance to do my master's degree in the UK. My husband and I, we agreed to just enjoy the opportunity and I actually had forgotten about this for a short while. I focused on losing weight, running, and eating healthily. We decided to travel as much as while we still can. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">But things started to spiral down ever since I was diagnosed with endometriosis and a retroverted uterus last December. I had finally decided to find out what was wrong with me. Why couldn't we be easily pregnant. Prior to diagnosis, my menses cramp & weird discharges started escalating. So I was given hormone treatment, again. And the nurses, also some people with same experiences were telling, '</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Get pregnant, it's the only way to treat your endometriosis!</span><span style="color: #666666;">'. Seriously, what do you think have I been doing since the last 3 years then? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Aunties would come and tell, '</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I got married at 16, at 17 I was already pregnant!</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">', or '</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">Whaaa? You've been married for four year and no child?! You shouldn't wait that long, go get tested, etc etc etc'</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">. Nonetheless, I kept my ear deaf. Couldn't deal with these people. It was an emotional roller-coaster for me. I was the one diagnosed and other people didn't help either. I was on borderline depressed because there is actually something very wrong with me. I cried myself to sleep every night since I was diagnosed at that time. People didn't know. They just know how to judge. At that time that my husband has just started his </span><span style="color: #666666;">houseman-ship</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"> too. He wasn't as much as emotionally available for me either. With the hormones I was taking, everything was just too much. It was not a steady period for us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Fast forward to March, when my current hormone treatment ended, I had scheduled another appointment with my ObsGyn. That time, she found 2 cysts at my left ovary. It wasn't the end of the world for me. I was already unstable you see. She suggested that I followed up to where my husband is working since the cost of removing it at the hospital I was checking-up was too much. So I did. I set an appointment, and the earliest date for screening was in July. It was a long wait, and more hormonal treatment. When the date arrived, I went for another checkup and the cyst is still there. And they found another condition. I had endometriosis and cyst on my left ovary. But on my right side, they found I had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Another condition that made pregnancy a little bit challenging to achieve. But there wasn't much to be done except remove the cyst first. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">So they booked me in for laparoscope KIV laparotomy in August. A 'scope' is where you'll be poked and a camera will be inserted to observe the actual condition inside. A 'tomy' is when they had to cut you up a little bit bigger to remove whatever that has been troubling you. In my case, the cyst. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">And last week, I had my laparoscope. And everything went well, alhamdulillah. I was put to sleep during the operation and wasn't able to leave the bed for the first night post-surgery. The overall experience of waiting before surgery, being in the operation theatre are... Interesting. Nonetheless, the doctors decided they needed no laparotomy. But I still had 2 small incisions down at my left abdomen and a poked belly button. My cyst was removed. Upon surgery, they found out that my fallopian tubes were both blocked and they had pressured it open. My doctor has a theory maybe that is why I haven't been able to get pregnant yet. My tubes were blocked before. And I am recovering pretty quick since I wouldn't take pain a reason for lying still in bed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Even with my cyst removed, I am still put under intervention for pregnancy by the team that treated me. Since I had other conditions too. I am on bed rest most of the time. Certain people would still come and say things to me. It doesn't bother me much at first but they just would not give me a break. One thing that confuses me, the pressure they put on me was JUST TOO MUCH. While nobody, not a single person ever said to my husband to take care of me well. I actually had a breakdown last night in front him saying it's not fair that people would just come up and say mean things to me because I'm the wife experiencing all these but no one says anything to the husband. I wasn't strong, I am far away from an alimah. I am human too. It isn't fair because marriage takes two. Why put too much pressure on only one side? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">In fact, I think most women who are waiting just like me would agree, that there are very few people who would actually come up to the husband and said things like what those aunties said to me. If women are strong enough to handle all these bad mouthes alone, we would <b>all</b> be able to get pregnant <b>without</b> a man just like Maryam AS did with Allah's will. But we weren't. Because we are not strong and He knows these kind of things need not be handled by ourselves alone. But people are mean and vile. It's not enough that one person that has just undergo surgery, still recovering from painful wound - they need to make it worse. I just wish for them to realise you know? Sometimes you just want that person to snap out of it and realise what they are saying are complete gibberish. I did not in any way ask for this to happen. I just want to be like my friends. So easily get pregnant without any difficulties. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of those lucky people chosen by Allah. But I guess some people enjoy damaging others. Like Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan said in one of his lectures, '</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><i>Those with damaged hearts only find and do damage in what is in their surrounding</i></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">'. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not taking my whole journey as a painful experience. In fact, it is a wonderful experience. I began to finally appreciate the hardship in conceiving. I get to see the love from unexpected friends. I know now who are the real ones and who weren't. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am thankful now that Allah has chosen me and my husband to venture on this journey. We might not be blessed with a child yet, but we were blessed with other things. But we hoped, with my recent surgery, it is another milestone for us. Maybe it will not happen soon, maybe it will take more time than the past, but it's okay. Through this, I learnt to be patient. Maybe some things are not yet meant for us, because He simply knows it. All we had to is just pray and wait. When the time comes, it will happen regardless. </span></span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-33166333368194087912016-07-13T09:44:00.002+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.054+08:00Discover Down Under [ Part 4 : Lake Wanaka, Kawarau Bridge & Te Anau ] <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Passing by Lindis Pass, we arrived Lake Wanaka approximately 2 hours later. It was a 185km journey.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Note :</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please arrange some extra time approximately 2-4 hours for your to be able to hike </span><a href="http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/content/plugins/operator/images/740x450crop/5C430A4E-1A64-9429-B8E6F76D3DE6AFE7.jpg" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Roy's Peak</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It is one of the main attractions at Lake Wanaka. Otherwise, you would have to enjoy the base lake like we did.</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuxEdmxL7q2tvu_40xmup8Q2VFC3bkzt-5_z8NLXXZwQeUOZQnDBYSTnPgHGWDY7h8jNFvSuhP2zc9iggey-fHo4p_32L5dVhQFm2vscXLWFlro2hTed4iSYy0YlpIad5ma2RBE2Xmqb5/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuxEdmxL7q2tvu_40xmup8Q2VFC3bkzt-5_z8NLXXZwQeUOZQnDBYSTnPgHGWDY7h8jNFvSuhP2zc9iggey-fHo4p_32L5dVhQFm2vscXLWFlro2hTed4iSYy0YlpIad5ma2RBE2Xmqb5/s640/IMG_0736.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Not complaining though, when you have the opportunity to enjoy a view like this. It's divine. The calm lake, the steadfast rows of snowy mountains, refreshing breeze. It's every thing New Zealand.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Note : If you are short on time and couldn't visit any other main lakes in New Zealand, make sure Lake Wanaka is a compulsory!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRTStisoZzOkj_FYT-uIVC7UfpDMTAo5AGjoOROb5PuyCzIHMf05SPHJtoz4kVAMcw5E2X0ZbwAN_0RedQD2Bg3FmyEvRdme8HCtO2wlIrVMuiXAId92hcgeTeciq4XZNrBUhyHcovIGU/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRTStisoZzOkj_FYT-uIVC7UfpDMTAo5AGjoOROb5PuyCzIHMf05SPHJtoz4kVAMcw5E2X0ZbwAN_0RedQD2Bg3FmyEvRdme8HCtO2wlIrVMuiXAId92hcgeTeciq4XZNrBUhyHcovIGU/s640/IMG_0745.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">From Lake Wanaka, you need another 1 hour to reach Queenstown, where we stop for the night. Along the way, you could make a short detour to the <a href="http://www.puzzlingworld.co.nz/" target="_blank">Wanaka Puzzling World</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Note :</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">A point worth noting, the entrance fees is quite expensive. They have several attractions such as The Maze World and Illusion Room. Fees range from NZD 16 - 20 for adults, meanwhile it's NZD 12-14 for children.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">They open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm in the summer and 5 pm during winter.</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGA5liY3uGqlLuV-1HE4Mq2_a8xsxUVczbKZGzyYbTZTjbhvWoSTNnwDd35jan1Y_pK4lhX3nSG_wyKerBtejWFlpJjQnFFEOugEObbHXGZjDc-NWbF4jK4R7tKMNSA6G1JOUkODrou5c/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGA5liY3uGqlLuV-1HE4Mq2_a8xsxUVczbKZGzyYbTZTjbhvWoSTNnwDd35jan1Y_pK4lhX3nSG_wyKerBtejWFlpJjQnFFEOugEObbHXGZjDc-NWbF4jK4R7tKMNSA6G1JOUkODrou5c/s640/DSC_0491.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">We didn't managed to enter the attractions as we were short on time. Just a few minutes quick stop and we continued our journey to our holiday park. Our pit stop for the night this time is in Queenstown. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">About<a href="http://www.holidaypark.net.nz/accommodation/" target="_blank"> Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park</a> :</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">For non-motorhome vehicles - they offer One-bedroom studios (houses 6 person), Studio Unit (houses 4 person), Self-Contained Cabin (4-5 person), Tourist Flats (house 4-6 person), and 2-Bedroom Park Motels (house 4-6 person). Price varies between weekends, holidays and peak season.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">For campsites - they offer powered and unpowered. Prices also vary between weekends, holidays and peak season.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">They offer 100GB 24 hours wi-fi access too. Which you have to buy at the reception before 8pm.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Our parents didn't stay at the campsite with us. We booked another motel for them to stay nearby.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">If you didn't manage to book any accommodation prior, there are abundance of motels available around Queenstown which you could easily walk-in and enquire for available rooms.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">There are a few halal restaurant selling Arabic food around town. Google Maps 'halal restaurant' and you should be good. We set choice for some biryanis for dinner. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">We were supposed to go for a cable car ride at Queenstown Skyline Gondola but were restricted with time. If you had the chance, just go for it. Price starts from NZD 56 per person.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The next morning, we had our brunch by Lake Wanaka. It was the morning of Eidul Adha. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to find any mosque/muslims in order for us to perform Eid prayers. So we prayed two sunnah prayers together before continuing our journey to Te Anau.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">On the way to Te Anau, you will pass by a myriad of mountains and lakes along the way. Please do not hesitate to stop and enjoy the view.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlpwagxuqYs2C-vFMs4K0coRvFkKffum8i0SsuOJxjjnUKmdZ5-oTXF_BJ9xtSl_LeQ6V5xQpEFyGavddk57hd0dmwAniJkajJ9PQGN0sEkaQn671GwOL7yACjEmPIcIfLgUtZugQKFn_/s1600/IMG_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlpwagxuqYs2C-vFMs4K0coRvFkKffum8i0SsuOJxjjnUKmdZ5-oTXF_BJ9xtSl_LeQ6V5xQpEFyGavddk57hd0dmwAniJkajJ9PQGN0sEkaQn671GwOL7yACjEmPIcIfLgUtZugQKFn_/s640/IMG_0793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">It was magical beyond words. Why is New Zealand is so amazing?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The most amazing stop on our way to Te Anau was of course, the infamous Kawarau Bridge Bungee. From Queenstown, it took approximately 40 minutes to get there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Operated by <a href="http://www.bungy.co.nz/kawarau-bungy-centre/kawarau-bungy" target="_blank">AJ Hackett Bungy</a>, it was said to be the first bungee jump in the world. It was seen in one of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9m4cW2yxy0" target="_blank">DevinSuperTramp</a>'s New Zealand bungee video as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaUMe-iqSaSJu5_-TnFtphOijRMCN6cDWwnCHN44UYVGjLWAKDm5ibKhFOSB8BpvxBzZeXMQmp6xzetNH0CGfTEwAtH2qgnLp5Z6SQaHs2mKQ-qRGnOzNDbsTeSTmOSTK0I7vD_cX8hOY/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaUMe-iqSaSJu5_-TnFtphOijRMCN6cDWwnCHN44UYVGjLWAKDm5ibKhFOSB8BpvxBzZeXMQmp6xzetNH0CGfTEwAtH2qgnLp5Z6SQaHs2mKQ-qRGnOzNDbsTeSTmOSTK0I7vD_cX8hOY/s640/IMG_0779.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">We didn't go for the jump obviously. It was a little bit out of our budget. Price was NZD 195 for adults, NZD 145 for 10-14 years old and NZD 165 for students with valid New Zealand Student ID. Either way, we stayed for quite a while and enjoyed seeing people plummet into the river. It was fun.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">From the bridge, you need to allocate at least 2 and half hours to reach Te Anau. Te Anau is a secluded town almost far south in South Island New Zealand. There pretty much nothing (except the common magnificent view of New Zealand, no big deal) besides Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0uXg77b9IPb9OF0iikPdugKjSrHL6eXcilRmHOqfd7zceNJw_hTwNZDVRY7b3RXRkKDwR6DDflSo9c1mENvksMU1oq8wBR_alZmp0BaKogtmS03Yd8ecpyRQBJwkI6PaW1hDYBW77H_p/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0uXg77b9IPb9OF0iikPdugKjSrHL6eXcilRmHOqfd7zceNJw_hTwNZDVRY7b3RXRkKDwR6DDflSo9c1mENvksMU1oq8wBR_alZmp0BaKogtmS03Yd8ecpyRQBJwkI6PaW1hDYBW77H_p/s640/IMG_0805.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6WuUuWo3m5bKPBYGubHdnRuf26hJTkO5Dk5dwgy9hBq2zK69Ey8TUfNIfNqiKIYvEbF9RrkJDJ47vIRQmHchic9M_g6tzFRkgIfHlx9laYRIKNsmZeP29fqYm-TnGhjBh3zimnZC92oy/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6WuUuWo3m5bKPBYGubHdnRuf26hJTkO5Dk5dwgy9hBq2zK69Ey8TUfNIfNqiKIYvEbF9RrkJDJ47vIRQmHchic9M_g6tzFRkgIfHlx9laYRIKNsmZeP29fqYm-TnGhjBh3zimnZC92oy/s640/IMG_0808.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">When you're in New Zealand, please allocate time for EVERY attractions. We didn't. So... I end up buying every fresh fruit ice cream I can find round town. The one I'm holding is the best. Mixed berries with fresh milk.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Te Anau is a pit stop for tourist before they continue a few hours drive to Milford Sound. Now this place is so special, it deserved a post on it's own coming up next.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">We arrived Te Anau around late afternoon, had lunch and rest for awhile. We stayed at <a href="https://www.teanautop10.co.nz/" target="_blank">Te Anau Top10 Holiday Park</a> for the night. Now, out of all the parks, this one is by far the best. Well, second best. The best was in Dunedin. The amenities is awesome, toilet it super clean. Kitchen super spacious. Motels was incredible!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">They offer studios, motels, and cabins as well. Prices range during different occasion but it starts from NZD 47 per night.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">Meanwhile campsites price range start from NZD 40 for tent areas and goes up for powered sites. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">You could also book tours if you didn't book it prior. Multiple tours are available such Milford Sound, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour, and few days cruise tour around Doubtful Sound. </span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zYILfuuLL3GnfEQCtrLA20MFBLYStD1jgF-Rl6O5XEHSIFqiTPAvVZvnd-nKeAwkIrPD7hfCkfN0fkMZ1BUgzra2Kzhu-VY-XKKzHV-db94Go5AkKa_cQHxipxywOrc_SYx9Tpw1nFtI/s1600/IMG_8025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zYILfuuLL3GnfEQCtrLA20MFBLYStD1jgF-Rl6O5XEHSIFqiTPAvVZvnd-nKeAwkIrPD7hfCkfN0fkMZ1BUgzra2Kzhu-VY-XKKzHV-db94Go5AkKa_cQHxipxywOrc_SYx9Tpw1nFtI/s640/IMG_8025.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The morning in Te Anau was spectacular. I couldn't made up my mind what was so special about Te Anau. It was serene. Combined with morning breeze that was cold but not freezing. I love this place too much. After breakfast, we set out to our next destination - The Milford Sound.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">P/S - It's where they shoot Argonath, Pillars of The Kings in The Lord Of The Rings.</span><br />
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-64362260961094711392016-06-29T15:14:00.000+08:002016-06-29T15:14:21.085+08:00Life As A Houseman...'s Wife. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnK7fcJinVRdlk8G5BcinG3koctnUk6OypvB5X1IHCjAUM73OwH2sJpRLHmKtBqp-_wSCTCTmV986QbkNbApwp6xoJoqY1mVkt0DquR70V3eYPUSjhIIry0_wfw-V6sM3ZnMGMwyVKdpK/s1600/street-1209401_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnK7fcJinVRdlk8G5BcinG3koctnUk6OypvB5X1IHCjAUM73OwH2sJpRLHmKtBqp-_wSCTCTmV986QbkNbApwp6xoJoqY1mVkt0DquR70V3eYPUSjhIIry0_wfw-V6sM3ZnMGMwyVKdpK/s400/street-1209401_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a>Been 7 months now since my husband started his housemanship/house officer ship over at a semi-government hospital here in Kuala Lumpur. One thing in general, houseman is busy. Super duper busy. And insult-proof. I think. His life has changed 300% and upturned 360'. </div>
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As a houseman, he rarely has time for himself. Day offs are often next to impossible, and sick leave will be deducted from their annual leave. So they work all day, every day for the rest of their lives I guess. How could you have time to think about other things like this? He couldn't even care less on his work stuff he brought from the hospital. For the past 7 months, I have found countless small vials with VERY difficult pronunciation, machine-washed and tumble-dried too many pieces of papers still inside his work trousers pockets which basically ended up shredded and destroyed every dark clothing, countless and ever changing stationaries, don't-know-whose stethoscope and mini papers with patients' names and codes, medication dosage and bed numbers - even though I had bought him a mini notebook for this. But well, I guess it's faster to work with mini papers. All he wanted to do once he's home is just one thing - sleep. He didn't even bother about eating. That took a toll on him. He lost 8 kgs in 7 months. What does that tell you ? </div>
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A hospital everyday life is so busy that it imprinted in his head even when he's unconscious. Most days when he had to do 6am-10pm shifts, he would fall asleep at strange places at home. That's why I drive him to work everyday. Couldn't risk him falling asleep behind the steering wheel, am I right? When I tried to wake him up at home, he would mutters some very funny things. Mostly work-related as, "Dah, dah ambil darah patient tu", "Baru lepas intubate", "Yang ni dah boleh discharge" and many moreee. Most things I couldn't catch up because you know, advance medical terms. Dude, sometimes I wish I had a video recorder on so I could show our children in the future this is what their father like hahaha. </div>
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Even now that we no longer had long-distance marriage going on, I do feel as if it is still ongoing sometimes. I work in retail. Trading hours end at 10pm, I had to do closing report, housekeeping, walk to my car, drive home, yadah yadah - it's already 11pm. When I got home, he was already sleeping. The only conversation we had each day would only lasted about 10 minutes, undisturbed. Most of the other time, we only ever had conversations on iMessage. Which normally would consists of me texting him, and he typically replies 3-4 hours later. Our iMessage conversation thread dated way back when he started his housemanship. </div>
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On those rare days, I do hear him complain about this life. This tiring, medical life. I wasn't in the picture last time when I used to see my friends uploading FB statuses about how hectic housemanship was. Some were annoyed by them, some chose to ignore. I didn't know until I become one of the many spouses. I didn't blame them. I know how tiring it is now. 18 hours shift without eating, barely have time to perform prayers properly and toilet breaks? What is that? On top of that, on-calls. On-call every other day, weekend on-calls, public holiday on-calls. To add some more, with the hate our medical personnel receiving these days, I'd say they're bionics. But some broke down too. And when they broke down, people surrounding (who are not medical personnel mind you) would say, <b>You chose this job</b>. </div>
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Well, if they didn't, would you ? </div>
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Would you chose to stand 10 hours attending to patients without eating and drinking?</div>
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Would you chose to sacrifice your weekends? </div>
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Would you want to celebrate Eid at the hospital instead of your family & loved ones?</div>
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Would you chose to ignore when your spouse is sick - and tend to other people spouses instead? </div>
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Would you chose to be the last one hearing about family mishaps? </div>
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Would you chose to hurt people around you because your job is too demanding, you couldn't say no?</div>
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I could go on and the list would be endless, but the point is, would you? </div>
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As a spouse to a medical personnel, you need to have a strong shield. Your spouse are not to be around most time in your life. Not on weekends, not on public holidays, not on the days you are sick, not on your doctor's follow up, not on your mom's birthday, not on everything. You are just basically what you are. Married. But things are pretty much done solo still. This is where your shield took place. A shield held up and put to test whether it can withstand all things by you. First shield is to not forget God. Pray to Him, ask Him to make you strong and independent. Pray for whatever challenges you face, you are able to get a grip and not let go. </div>
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I do not know what will this journey brings to our relationship as husband and wife. I just pray that once it's over, we could look back, high-fived each other and proudly say, 'We made it.'</div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-49301730972142407652016-06-20T10:51:00.000+08:002016-06-20T10:51:11.624+08:00Tongues. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For these past few months of working, I had noticed one thing we humans love to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Talking. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We love to talk. Regardless of what the issues were, we love to talk. Talk itself is fine. But it's not fine when talk, suddenly turns to gossip. Gossip turns to slander. Slander turns to backbiting and so on. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It dwells on me. How could oneself go back home, kiss their children, their spouse or mothers with a mouth that has been saying out bad words to others. Do they not feel guilty? Or at least feel uncomfortable. I get uncomfortable whenever people around me talked about others. I did my very best to steer away from those conversation. It wasn't an obvious feeling but my body detests it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.6px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My face felt iron hot, my ears ring, sometimes I even had headaches. I noticed this a few times now. Whenever a group of people sit down, talk about others, spewing gossips and slander - my body really rejects it. I felt drained out of energy, and exhausted. Even though we just had a meal! It felt so negative. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I thought, the older we get, the wiser we'll be. We are supposed to think before we talk. We should withhold our tongues from things that weren't true or wasn't worth it to mention. But we didn't. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">In this golden month of Ramadan, fasting does not only applied for food and drinks - it goes for our tongues too. I found a video, worthy of our time to reflect what has our tongues been saying for the past years we have been living. Here's hoping it will be beneficial to all. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">JazakAllahu Khayr.</span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-34972766851070485332016-05-03T09:22:00.000+08:002016-05-03T09:22:00.017+08:00Some Love for Our Skin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">See, the thing is, even though we are perfectly created by Him, there is absolutely nothing wrong with us taking care of ourselves. It's natural. Plus point if you're married. You need to look and smell good in front of your spouse. Being married does not mean any sisters should neglect their personal care.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The point is not to show off to all men out there, 'I have the most perfect skin, admire me'. But just to be comfortable with ourselves. In our own home, at our comfort zone. So this post is about a few things necessary for me to maintain my skin health. Also, I would like to share the way of properly taking care of our own skin. I do not in any way think of myself to be a beauty blogger, but I am passionate in looking good for my spouse all the time. ^^</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The options for pretty looking skin are ; </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">1. <i>A purifying face mask</i> - <a href="http://www.sephora.my/products/first-aid-beauty-skin-rescue-purifyng-mask-with-red-clay" target="_blank">First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Although I didn't wear makeup - apart from some pressed powders, thin liners, chapstick and occasionally some lip colours, we still need to purify our skin every now and then. Especially if you live in a big city where pollutions could clog your pores within days. Do this for at least 2-3 times a week. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">2. <i>A good moisturiser</i> - <a href="http://www.nivea.com.my/products/mens-care/multi-protect-daily-moisturiser-defense" target="_blank">Nivea Men Daily Defense Moisturiser </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Need I say more about this ? I used mens' because my skin is stubborn towards retaining moisture. Lady-like moisturiser does not work and thick creams are too expensive for my bank account. I searched the best option out there and stumbled upon this. It worked well with me so far alhamdulillah. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">3. <i>A restoring face mask</i> - <a href="http://www.sephora.my/products/fresh-rose-face-mask" target="_blank">FRESH Rose Face Mask</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">A soothing, hydrating mask should follow EVERY session after purifying mask. I use this to restore moisture and skin tone. This is a sample size I bought off online using <a href="https://my.carousell.com/" target="_blank">Carousell</a> app on my phone. Way cheaper than the actual size product. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">4. <i>A tinted moisturiser</i> - <a href="http://www.sephora.com/complexion-rescue-tinted-hydrating-gel-cream-P393356?skuId=1687912&icid2=brand%20content_bareminerals_lp_bestsellers_us_carousel_brand:bareminerals_p393356_image" target="_blank">bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">This is optional. For myself, I would pretty much look pale without any colour to my face. This adds colour and more hydration which pretty much a package for my thirsty skin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">5. <i>Vitamin C supplements</i> - <a href="http://www.gnclivewell.com.my/product_info.php/products_id/436" target="_blank">GNC Live Well Triple C</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Yeap. Supplement is needed too. The one I'm currently consuming has a 1000mg dosage of vitamin C with added antioxidants for anti-aging properties. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">6. <i>A multi-purpose serum</i> - <a href="http://www.origins.my/?q=website_admin/whatsnew#Quarter" target="_blank">Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Out of all the things I've mentioned, I would say serum is the most important. It is worth it to indulge a little bit in a good serum too. It has finer blend compared to daily moisturiser hence it absorbs better and penetrates deeper. This one I'm testing since January. Honestly I do not expect one tiny bottle (30ml) lasted me for 4 months.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">So, there we go, my skin-loving entry. I do not in all actuality has the most perfect skin. My skin has seen countless bad and good days too. This is just a guide for us sisters to maintain our skin. Happy skin-loving!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">JazakAllahu Khayr. </span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-40291053991453142692016-04-30T09:41:00.001+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.153+08:00Discover Down Under [ Part 3 : Mount Cook & Lindis Pass ]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><i>'There is nothing new under the sun. It has all been done before.' - Sherlock Holmes.</i></b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Currently hooked on The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - the written version by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started blogging, it was more geared towards portraying some things I couldn't manage verbally. There was no intention of blogging about my globe-trotting experiences, at all. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Travelling has been, and will always be my passion. I am just lucky to have a spouse who is equally passionate about it.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm happy that I managed to inspire others to write but I couldn't help but feeling uneasy to those who I offended whenever I blogged about my travels. I do sincerely apologise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">All that being said, here is the third part of my Discover Down Under series. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Our morning was exceptionally beautiful. Due to our late arrival the night before, we weren't sure what the view was like around our camping site. It was in all actuality, to be the prettiest I have ever seen at that point. The view was serene. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Right after preparing breakfast and lunch via our camping site's kitchen, we set for Mount Cook. Our campsite to Mount Cook was only a few mere kilometres. That day, it wasn't particularly cloudy, but there were a lot of clouds. Mount Cook was hidden beneath the thick layers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">There were monuments and more trail for you to explore Mount Cook with. </span><span style="color: #666666;">It took a few minutes up to 2 hours for you to complete the trail and it was worth it. </span><span style="color: #666666;">If you have time to spare, I urge you to do it. Sadly, we didn't. Despite the fact that we are travelling with elderly & they can be quite cranky in the cold weather, we had itineraries to fulfil. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFgDsALBTxDamDmYMfiSVSrtTKTu3KoU3eI61xo0aPesMLpLA3BjnyrowUIys6mlUsJR93LJ1zla3X4Oa-NBkFcWwkmVitJrcZ8u4hMXXyiOkaxRTGdaRYLU80bKn8b2jX4MD1mrJ1bqv/s1600/DSC_0418_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFgDsALBTxDamDmYMfiSVSrtTKTu3KoU3eI61xo0aPesMLpLA3BjnyrowUIys6mlUsJR93LJ1zla3X4Oa-NBkFcWwkmVitJrcZ8u4hMXXyiOkaxRTGdaRYLU80bKn8b2jX4MD1mrJ1bqv/s640/DSC_0418_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument to honour those who lost their lives building up the path. Mount Cook was underneath the clouds.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;">From the monument, you could enjoy a stretch of an amazing landscape. It looked as if it was ripped off from The Lord Of The Rings. Though New Zealand was their primary shooting location, I am not aware either Mount Cook is a part of it or not. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Upon leaving, our shy Mount Cook finally decided to show itself. Our elderly thought it was another layer of clouds. But with careful observation, they finally saw it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Mount Cook was icy. And magnificent. And amazing. I could honestly look at this for hours and hours. We had only a few minutes to spare for this view, before continuing our journey. Our next destination was Queenstown. The journey was scheduled to take about 2 hours and 7 minutes for 185km. It was almost noon, and we had to reach Queenstown before 5pm. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay longer here.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Along the way, we passed by a pass known as the Lindis Pass. Since we were there in Spring, the pass was no longer white in colour. Instead it was yellowy. Nevertheless, it is still pleasing to the eyes.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note : This wasn't in anyway edited at all. This saturation is true.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another note, I weren't fat. It was just extremely windy. Hehe</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The journey was something I wouldn't forget throughout all my continent-hopping experience. New Zealand is different. Iceland was one thing, but New Zealand is another. It is beautiful in a magical way. Along the way, we had plenty of breaks here and there. It was extremely difficult to resist the urge to not stop and enjoy every bits and pieces of these spectacular views. But we eventually managed to reach Queenstown later in the day. Part 4 will follow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Till then, JazakAllahu Khayr. </span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-46107250082211088712016-04-03T07:55:00.000+08:002016-04-03T07:55:20.682+08:00The Advises - Imam Al-Ghazali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The most adjoining affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">is </span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">death</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The most extensive affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">is </span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">nafs</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The furthest affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">is </span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">the past</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The lightest affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">is </span><b><span style="color: #741b47;">to leave salah</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The heaviest affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>amanah</b></span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The nastiest affair in this life,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>human tongue</b></span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-38652364277309550542016-03-18T14:23:00.005+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.106+08:00Discover Down Under [ Part 2 : Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki, New Zealand ]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2WnvfsGa12AaQxYFA4oZ_Mu_pybJw4Pir-ErnbSdsGpK9lKlW5qovxVyQr3hycAktnXXcC8qONdwnZPeiqWBDnkW5-cJ4RI2qGQ-FzA3r3zz5lAM3tw-kZEAD5ybQs8iEYFFpEN_gYf/s1600/IMG_7520_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2WnvfsGa12AaQxYFA4oZ_Mu_pybJw4Pir-ErnbSdsGpK9lKlW5qovxVyQr3hycAktnXXcC8qONdwnZPeiqWBDnkW5-cJ4RI2qGQ-FzA3r3zz5lAM3tw-kZEAD5ybQs8iEYFFpEN_gYf/s640/IMG_7520_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">On our first day, trying to figure out why the roads are so empty. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You have just got to love off days when working haven't you! I know I do. I could update my page whenever I like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, we arrived Christchurch, New Zealand around 5am on that day. Our flight duration was about 4 to 5 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though it was super early, but their coffee shops and restaurant has began serving breakfast so that was a plus point. We performed our salah in a closed area at the airport and waited for another 3 hours to pick up our motorhomes. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tips :</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Currency : New Zealand Dollars (NZD) [ 1 NZD = MYR 2.77 = USD 0.7 ] </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">New Zealand has quite a strict immigration regulations upon entering via their airports. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">You would have to label</span><span style="color: red;"> ALL</span><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"> of your foodstuffs and their detailed ingredients. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Don't forget to declare your food items!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You could read more on their immigration regulations </span><a href="http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/imaccepted/arrivinginnz/customsdeclarations.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">You would have to spent one - two hours at immigration counters depending on the arrival traffic that particular time. We arrived quite early hence the queue was bearable. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We booked our 6-bed motorhome via <a href="http://www.mightycampers.co.nz/" target="_blank">Mighty Campers</a> website. All you need was a credit card, and voila. All done. You could even arrange for a pick-up service from the airport to their office. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5chtxJVoRzyoKVNc8sMmpTunQy3pP52vW9ZKUPsidyKrNvrvldSfaGa_O-k7AfizNbz2wy-FA-D5raUi6eTDmq04amgU2NbsSs4DpGz-CfBeGb0plST9BKqOyWUl6lNk412GFS1GCW7jU/s1600/IMG_7516_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5chtxJVoRzyoKVNc8sMmpTunQy3pP52vW9ZKUPsidyKrNvrvldSfaGa_O-k7AfizNbz2wy-FA-D5raUi6eTDmq04amgU2NbsSs4DpGz-CfBeGb0plST9BKqOyWUl6lNk412GFS1GCW7jU/s640/IMG_7516_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Our ride for our 5 days road-trip in New Zealand. Still trying to figure why we're the only ones on the road.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Note: Their office opens at 8am. But the rental process will take forever, so it's best for you to arrange a pick-up around 7-7.30 am. Be the first in line! We did not know about it, so we end up waiting for 2 hours at their office's lounge. Good thing they provide free hot drinks and biscuits! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">On our arrival day, it was raining throughout the day. After we received our motorhomes, we set out to find halaal groceries to bring during our roadtrip. The store we stopped by is named Maihan Supermarket and Halal
Meat located at 303
Colombo St, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">We bought some halaal takeaways as well and set off on our journey. No time to waste.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tips :</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Please have a detailed itinerary as New Zealand is a very beautiful country. Arrange your time accordingly and follow it to every nooks and crannies. You wouldn't want to miss what this country is offering! </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Our itinerary was a 6-page long, jam-packed with every must-visits, duration of each visits and between places, their distances, even addresses to everything - halaal restaurant, grocery stores, toilets, petrol stations etc. It even incorporated allocated time for daily salaah, toilet breaks, and tea time. All arranged and planned by me. Yes, I am a nightmare to travel with this time. I refuse to waste not even 1 minute on this journey. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a nutshell, this is our first day itinerary :</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">From Christchurch to campsite at Mount Cook - Duration : 327 km took approximately 4 hours</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Stop by at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki along the way. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Bought some drinking water and snacks at a small town called Twizzler. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Rested our head at the campsite for the night. </span></span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsOPHG2GCUgpTuhGet-qK4GH18Xjy0lTtUU3zjeKEGUPdLaRYPoRkiP1oJq-VHPVCQtCCZ80aiF0bsANWjqzI6RYABFZ-Y9IEbbqmH2DPaS-KM2bGwdexm3NufK2nhBQrWnb3fgh8u6ZO/s1600/DSC_0328_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsOPHG2GCUgpTuhGet-qK4GH18Xjy0lTtUU3zjeKEGUPdLaRYPoRkiP1oJq-VHPVCQtCCZ80aiF0bsANWjqzI6RYABFZ-Y9IEbbqmH2DPaS-KM2bGwdexm3NufK2nhBQrWnb3fgh8u6ZO/s640/DSC_0328_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Lake Tekapo. The water was turquoise it was magnificent MasyaAllah.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoestNhnCA_rbJYVTkAIIO0dcURGBXU1oUmxPWEFnMpGYfIZiXjbG84smYA5yUAjlNLQSru1MdhQU6RBoZcMPXmWA9we90NLX1xxsp-Ei6gOFOgjmgbwagVVJ7NS-4nVLi04XwcKalEgp/s1600/DSC_0365_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoestNhnCA_rbJYVTkAIIO0dcURGBXU1oUmxPWEFnMpGYfIZiXjbG84smYA5yUAjlNLQSru1MdhQU6RBoZcMPXmWA9we90NLX1xxsp-Ei6gOFOgjmgbwagVVJ7NS-4nVLi04XwcKalEgp/s640/DSC_0365_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Random spot off-main road at Lake Pukaki. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Beautiful. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Good thing about New Zealand is, you can stop by the roadside absolutely anywhere for how many hours you like. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We spent our first night at the foot of Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at the </span><a href="http://www.glentanner.co.nz/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Glentanner Park Centre</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. We booked a powered camp site for our motorhomes so we would have power to charge our phones etc even when we parked! </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">The next morning, we head out to Mount Cook for some short hike. Stay updated! </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-49610912622439120192016-03-17T16:42:00.000+08:002018-02-14T10:00:51.318+08:00Discover Down Under [ Part 1 : Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road ] <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alas, the long awaited Down Under posts. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiCvf6ulyHILZGWXqAOXbv0FExmmoMS_G-HMq6nM3jHDkzjWa3b3H3XGRDJ2Ywb8cxYqyGoPTfPXscW02jQtf6kKoZIqBFWZXaP4uw3NUqebisPIti_uLFqLHZY8rF5M6_SZfH06EUK70/s1600/DSC_0272_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiCvf6ulyHILZGWXqAOXbv0FExmmoMS_G-HMq6nM3jHDkzjWa3b3H3XGRDJ2Ywb8cxYqyGoPTfPXscW02jQtf6kKoZIqBFWZXaP4uw3NUqebisPIti_uLFqLHZY8rF5M6_SZfH06EUK70/s640/DSC_0272_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">Colourful beach huts on our 3rd day in Melbourne before checking in our flight to Christchurch, New Zealand. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was rather a prompt decision. I was still in the UK when my husband told me that his father wanted to join our little adventure to Down Under. I was fine with it, but travelling with elderly means more rigid preparation and less cramp schedule. And we have limited time frame. But hey, here to adventures!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Total duration spent in Melbourne was only 3 days and 2 nights. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tips : </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prior to departure, everyone visiting Australia has to apply for the Australia Electronic Travel Authority System online <a href="https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/etas" target="_blank">HERE</a> to ensure smooth arrival. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Day 1 - Arrival & Queen Victoria Market</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon arrival, we went straight away for our rental car service. It was pre-booked online via </span><a href="https://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">VroomVroomVroom AU</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. The easy thing is, it allows you to choose any pick up/return location you like.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After settling some fees, we set off to our first destination. The Queen Victoria Market. As the name suggest, it is a market. Wet and dry market. You could find fruits, vegetables, meat & poultry as well as fish to clothes there. In my opinion, the price was a little bit overpriced. It might be due to it's becoming a tourist attraction. </span><span style="color: #666666;">Unfortunately, because we were so beaten up, there were no photos taken at The Queen Victoria Market. </span><span style="color: #666666;">We did not spent too long there as elderly tend to be a little bit cranky after an 8-hour overnight flight. We went straight away for our Airbnb apartment. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our apartment was a very lovely 2-bedroom studio apartment. It was small but it was also large enough to fit 5 adult comfortably. However untimely, the apartment is no longer listed in Airbnb. I have no clue to as why it isn't anymore since the review received was superb.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We slept for a good few hours before deciding to head over the St. Kilda Pier for some sunset views. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J8TCm40gCD3kEVV01mg58jhESjJFzdvs5IB9mXyhcrX0Ruh14rUYBBs_YwpPm0YxCMROVS76U4BKm-zCiXepMEkuUSsiYRN2FZvAtPTjTo65HX12IkF3uzCDw0GIGkcnvljJGpUsS4IQ/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J8TCm40gCD3kEVV01mg58jhESjJFzdvs5IB9mXyhcrX0Ruh14rUYBBs_YwpPm0YxCMROVS76U4BKm-zCiXepMEkuUSsiYRN2FZvAtPTjTo65HX12IkF3uzCDw0GIGkcnvljJGpUsS4IQ/s640/IMG_0624.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">That is 4 of them there. My brother in-law, my husband, mother & father-law. Looking for something in the water I don't know what. That sunset is beautiful though! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tips :</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Parking in Aussie is expensive and most of them requires payment by credit/debit card. No cash option available. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">So, being in quite a few different developed countries for the past year has taught me one thing. Their tap water should be extra, triple, superbly clean. </span><span style="color: #666666;">That night, I had a drink from their tap water. Because, hey, it's a developed country kan? Water supply should be squeaky clean. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was the first time in my life ever, to experience the worst of food (or water) poisoning. Ever. I was vomiting my stomach out. Each session lasted almost a minute before another wave came. On top of that, diarrhoea hits too. It was ugly. I know. Reminiscing it is making me want to cry.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I really did not have the heart to wake up my husband at the time. He was exhausted. But really, I thought I was dying. So I had to woke him up. I didn't know what to do anymore. He made me had some diarrhoea meds and paracetamol. Even then, I vomited it all out. After a good 4 hours of agony, the condition ceased by itself and I finally fell asleep. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">NOTE : DON'T DRINK DIRECTLY FROM THEIR TAP. EVER. </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Day 2 - The Great Ocean Road </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My husband and I was beaten up. My whole body felt like jelly. Weak and vulnerable. I did not have anything for breakfast. But the adventure has to continue. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We went out along The Great Ocean Road. We stopped by the small towns along the coastal route. The view was unbelievable masyaAllah. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tips :</span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some of the tourists spots along The Great Ocean Road are ;</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anglesea</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Memorial Arch</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kennet River (Home of wild Koalas) - you could actually pet one here. And there are wild but pet-able weird looking birds too! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Apollo Bay</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Otway Rainforest (Home to the largest tree species in the world)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Twelve Apostles</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lord Ard Gorge</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Gibson Steps</span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By lunchtime, we arrived at Apollo Bay. We ate some of our pre-packed meals. I ate some too. Little did I know, my vomiting episode haven't ended. I vomited it all out again. So, yes. I was miserable for the whole time along The Great Ocean Road. Haha. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MbsZuqEgdeLZz217m8HKNxwNt_l4xCKciHaZHLGIVBuXFFUZte9o-6wf59O04F6Zj6i7H0jNREdWwtlaroToiB8NbuvKNvSPH7fOvVafctcU743YeTFOxJ4VEr7pwMCKlr8740SDBFtb/s1600/IMG_7184_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MbsZuqEgdeLZz217m8HKNxwNt_l4xCKciHaZHLGIVBuXFFUZte9o-6wf59O04F6Zj6i7H0jNREdWwtlaroToiB8NbuvKNvSPH7fOvVafctcU743YeTFOxJ4VEr7pwMCKlr8740SDBFtb/s640/IMG_7184_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">Panoramic view of Gibson steps, the shipwreck and Lord Ard Gorge.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However upon the end of the day, it all went away. I was too mesmerised by the beauty of nature that I forgot it all. My personal favourite during our trip that day was definitely The Twelve Apostles and Lord Ard Gorge. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUmdIe5xQRJBQ6huiZDBgcg4stnrcdjq2UgRfVqBhXDSSiKFG3oM9tvgtBhWo59DO17nANqgtwdR5c7s1tPQr8AqcoM_eLb6Y5bLPFqqdxIsmedRZZsjsQwDKMgWe_Kyv0E8qrwzftmLT/s1600/IMG_7098_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUmdIe5xQRJBQ6huiZDBgcg4stnrcdjq2UgRfVqBhXDSSiKFG3oM9tvgtBhWo59DO17nANqgtwdR5c7s1tPQr8AqcoM_eLb6Y5bLPFqqdxIsmedRZZsjsQwDKMgWe_Kyv0E8qrwzftmLT/s640/IMG_7098_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">The Twelve Apostles. So pretty masyaAllah. I love this too much! </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxpmypnTLywKVeBZ25Clst27CXTkREf1WGPeFTcCwV1ioKnGrD27ZmdEDrWnTt1vh2MpRoZLnJSiGV5fHXE645cEI0FHK6b58ps8dgHW_RGKyASe9eF4yw1zqgtjtwgfy237DHdZR16bz/s1600/DSC_0259_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxpmypnTLywKVeBZ25Clst27CXTkREf1WGPeFTcCwV1ioKnGrD27ZmdEDrWnTt1vh2MpRoZLnJSiGV5fHXE645cEI0FHK6b58ps8dgHW_RGKyASe9eF4yw1zqgtjtwgfy237DHdZR16bz/s640/DSC_0259_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">What is here not to love? </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Day 3 - Checking in for our flight to Christchurch</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had nothing much to do on our third day except having lunch by the beach near our apartment, and head to the airport. We had a flight to catch that night to Christchurch, New Zealand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Till next time.</span> </span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3551908667940222356.post-66458779389889992532016-02-24T08:22:00.001+08:002016-02-24T11:48:49.717+08:00Human.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">اسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost with every post these days, I started with apologising for the lack of updates. My posts on Australia and New Zealand trip last September was kept in draft until I could see virtual spider webs around it. So, I apologise, again for the hundredth time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">New job comes. It is at a high-end mall. Located in the heart of PJ as well. With heavy traffic, I could easily reach there in 10-15minutes. Still a bargain. And the pay is handsome-r compared to my last one. I just have to spend some money on parking. Well here, it is the total opposite. Everyone look down on you. You work in retail, you must have failed in your studies kan? You wear hijabs, you must be not very fluent in English. Oh you know so much about products, your trainer must have taught you well. It hurts that some days I went home and actually have tears rolling down in the shower because of people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought in 2016, we somewhat have achieved civilised mind better than in the 60s. That's not the case definitely. People are still very demeaning. Rude and assume self-superior than others. I had to constantly clarify I had a master's degree and I speak fluent English. I have no intention to brag, but I do speak better English than my already 7-years Assistant Retail Manager. Some people were impressed and seemed relieved, some were sceptical and others were mainly quiet after I had politely mentioned my qualifications. In fact, for the company to hire anybody, they needed a candidate with AT LEAST a bachelor's degree. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is my story.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the other hand, my husband has been facing a bunchload of insults too. His job as a house officer is not an easy one. Patients keep on complaining about pain yet they managed to raise their voice and yell. Their families keep on pressuring as if their relatives have the worst case above everybody and demanded royalty treatment at a general hospital. Some of them even pressured the doctors to treat their relatives faster because IT'S HARD TO APPLY JOB LEAVES TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR SICK PARENTS/CHILDREN. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could go on ranting about people and the way they treat my husband and a few thousands medical personnel here in general hospitals. But it would be a 15,000 words master's degree thesis. Every single day, he has a new story. Encounter new and bizarre situations. All because on the human diversity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All are human. I understand. Human make mistakes and human hurts too. I lost count on how many hurts I've received let alone my husband. I think my feelings had been hurt, but him, the feeling might have to multiply by a 1000 times. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are human too. We do feel hurt when people disregard us. All I'm trying to say is, whenever possible, let us please be kind to other humans after this. You might not know, with a simple small gesture, how special that day has become for the respective person. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I lost count too on how many times my husband mentioned polite people made his day better. How they made him believe they are still good amongst the bad. How they made him tear and feeding him strength to continue being a good doctor. It's a real joy to witness how happy he was because of simple small kind gestures. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, let us be good to each other now shall we?</span></span></div>
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Anishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12902198763440919115noreply@blogger.com0