South Africa! My-my! Never in my slightest moment, honestly, would I have thought South Africa will be an absolute travel wonder winner. Not at all. I actually had no clue whatsoever what to expect in South Africa. Neither did I bother to imagine, nor did I read up prior to flying the distance. Of course, like many of you who keep abreast on world issues, I knew who is Nelson Mandela. The legendary man of history who struggle for South Africa's independence. 27 years of spending his life in prison and known as the longest serving political prisoner. Salute him till this day. What a man of the century. Besides Nelson Mandela and looking up at him from Malaysia, I was quite alien to lo and behold South Africa, until I stepped foot in Cape Town (Cape Town Part 3, Part 2 & Part 1), followed by Johannesburg & Sun City, and on this day, we embarked on Pretoria City Tour.
Showing posts with label Infor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infor. Show all posts
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Johannesburg (South Africa) - The Best Out Of The Rest
From Cape Town to
Johannesburg (Cape Town Part 3, Cape Town Part 2 & Cape Town Part 1). South Africa’s largest and most cosmopolitan
city, also commonly known as Jo'burg or Jozi, our two hours flight obviously
landed us at the airport. Subsequently, while journeying for another
approximately 45 minutes to North West, Lanseria, I made sure I peeped out from
the coach for glimpsing at this economic hub of South Africa and capital of
Gauteng. At the same time, I gasped the fact that Johannesburg is
not a safe haven for wondering around on our own due to its crime rate
primarily, as narrated by our born and bred South African tour guide. Nothing really bad so far I have encountered for the past three days, but I
must mention that I had a hard time with the
immigration officer at the airport who insisted I greet him and I couldn't help but wonder why he was picking on me by asking a string of unwanted questions. I went like, what's going on. Baffled me. Why, why on earth? Trust me, I was so close to giving him a piece of mind when he rudely throw my passport back. Nonsense! A chip on his
shoulder I suppose. The other person I must mention is our bus driver who wouldn’t
stop complaining how unfair life is in South Africa. Nonstop he went on, each
and every time I bumped into him. As if, we don’t have our worst share of unfavorable
policies towards different races in Malaysia? Looks like people all over the world
do come in different packages, you meet the good and the ugly as well. In fact,
I was already forewarned by my social media South African friends what to expect in South Africa. Crime rate, people sulking and unwelcoming behaviour, which by far played on my mind prior to us stepping
foot in Lion Park.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Copenhagen (Denmark ) - Day 1 (Part 2)
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Eastern & Oriental Hotel - Premium Suite, Penang
Quite an action
packed, full of activity previous day (Ixora
Hotel, Flamingo
Hotel, Ayer
Hitam Asam Laksa & Kek
Lok Si Temple), next day after lunching in Karaikudi
Restaurant, family decided to part. In fact, all of them returned to Kuala Lumpur, whereas, we decided to extend our stay in Penang. Huh-huh! Joy to my travel venture, my other half-half literally couldn't say no when I slyly insisted that we stayed on. He also I think was trapped in our marriage love trap because he gave in, again, to our stay in Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Joy on this day, I have always wanted to experience a stay in this, one of the best among the rest, well known and back then to those years hotel (Rasa
Sayang Hotel). No booking whatsoever, at an ad-hoc basis, we tried our luck. We were actually only keen in a normal room, but since, we could get none, we agreed for the premium suite. Premium suite? Yes, believe me. So excited I was, not always, akin lottery stuck, of course, with my other half-half's hard earned money, while he sorted out payment and our particulars, we were served the punchy, fruity and extremely delicious juice. Wow! Honestly, the first quench into this juice was proven. I made sure I finished off every drop, thereafter, we were ushered to our suite by the butler.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Phuket, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising
Disappointing.
Disappointed. Disappointment. Phuket shore excursion (Super Star Libra Cruise Solo Cruising) didn’t take off until
after 1.00pm. Due to magic show at the poolside. Actually, magic action was inside
the pool itself. All locked key locked up magician eventually emerging from
water for proving his critical success factors. How did it go with me? Dang!
Neh! I basically out of no choice was amongst the hundreds who seemingly were
all excited, trilled and frilled. I, in fact wasn’t even aware that magic show is
gonna be part and parcel of this cruise holiday. Honestly, such a waste of my
time. I would have actually appreciated Phuket sightseeing. Then again? Lunch
too by 12.00pm didn’t go down with me. Just two hours ago, I had tucked into
breakfast, and food again? Of course, without a doubt, there were still aplenty
takers for the buffet lunch. I on the other hand just nibbled some side dishes.
Thank god, an hour later, the moment I have been patiently waiting arrived.
Phuket sightseeing. The same procedure, the same way out of ship and the same
coach driven journey (Krabi Shore Excursion).
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Krabi, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising
Thank god I slept well. I actually managed, can you believe it? Regardless of sea water rocking and shaking and me actually a person who have a problem sleeping in a new place. Thanks to my lucky stars as well I didn't throw up due ship moving left and right throughout the night. Up from bed in the morning, I showered, I tucked into breakfast and just at this juncture broadcast news (Super
Star Libra - My Solo Cruising) came flashing. For informing us that we
must gather at the specific section and in our respective groups for our different shore excursions we have opted for. Mine was Krabi sightseeing. Heading over to that particular section and standing alongside the rest, we were briefed on the do’s and don’ts. Particularly we must carry our passport and we must return to ship, by hook or crook, 9.00pm. For me, I don't think the time part of it will matter because I'll just stick with whatever is scheduled for my Krabi tour and I will return with the rest. After all, what am I going to do alone in Krabi? I wouldn't dare anyway (Halong
Bay Cruising).
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Super Star Libra Cruise - My Solo Cruising
Remember, I told you (Perth Australia Part 1)? The unexpected, least I expected trip to Perth (Perth Australia Part 2)? Actually, the main reason being knowledge thirsting. Of course, why shouldn't I miss out on sightseeing if I can? Sure. And after returning from Perth within a month, I took off again. Again? Yep. Me embarking on a cruise trip and one which in fact I had already booked and paired for even before heading to Perth. Guess then? Another travelling story of mine and another solo mine. Solo Nava on her own again (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City) and my first ever full blown cruise. Three nights of sleeping on board and sightseeing during the day. Cruise by itself? Done it before, but this will be, lemme repeat myself again. A complete package instead of like those cruises included as a small fraction of the itinerary (Bangkok Thailand).
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Fremantle - Perth (Australia)
Not a bonus. No. Of course not. Not like the unexpected bonus for me being in Perth for training (Perth My Knowledge Travel Venture Part 1). This my one day trip to Fremantle alongside the rest of the counterparts from other parts of the world? We paying. Each paying for themselves. Basically going Dutch. How, where and what to the start to Fremantle? We walking from Miss Maud Hotel to Perth station, followed by machine supported buying our tickets and prior to getting into the train. Nice view from atop. Especially when train started getting closer and closer into Fremantle and we later stepping foot out of Fremantle station. Fremantle! The port city in Western Australia. Also, part of Perth's metropolitan area. Known for its maritime history, Victorian architecture
and remnants from Australia's days as a British penal colony. Furthermore, history has it. Fremantle and its prison for convicts from 1850s to 1991. What can you expect in Fremantle? Quite a good bit actually. In fact, you can spent a whole day eating, sightseeing and idling your time away at the sea and wherever conducive for you.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Perth, Australia - My Knowledge Travel Venture (Part 1)
An unexpected bonus. In fact, not in my slightest moment would I have thought I will flying to Perth. Just within a month after returning from my tour to Vietnam & Cambodia (Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi). And remember, before that, my first ever solo me alone (Chonburi & Bangkok Part 2). ravel ( (Bangkok Thailand Through My Lens). Me flying to Perth thereafter? Gods must be loving me. They must be knowing this lady should continue travelling. Actually, me heading to Perth for one particular reason. Knowledge gaining for the program I have been teaching for the last 12 years or so. Curtin University Degree Twinning Program.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Hanoi - Vietnam (My Tour Adventure)
From Halong Bay to Hanoi. In fact, the previous day itself for arriving in Hanoi by 8.00pm. Nothing much for the day (Siem Reap Cambodia). Impossible right by this hour? We had dinner and of course, we were told we can check out the shops within the vicinity of our hotel (Angkor Wat)l. I think some of the tour buddies did, but not me. I showered and since wifi was hell in my room despite me paying, I had no choice but to sit at the cramped up lobby for internet connection. For an hour and then, back to my room for good night everyone (Ho Chi Minh City). Next morning, by 9.00am, standing in the snaking queue for entering Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Cold weather literally shivering me and oh-god! The rules before entering Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum? No camera, no hand-phone or switch off your phone, no laptop, handbags screened, hands by your side and no talking. Basically, no picture or video taking and silence must be golden. Then what once you walk in? At the riffles of the guards who stood like robots throughout and you taking less than 5 minutes for seeing HO Chih Minh lying in state before walking out. That's all? Yep. That's all. Honestly, I can't tell you if it's the original Ho Chi Minh or his wax. And so strict rules for seeing him or his wax? Duh! Glad I saw though nothing really like me feeling overwhelmed.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Halong Bay (Vietnam) - Nature Wonder Of The World
Really. Really really early morning jump start. By 7.00am if I am not mistaken and the earliest so far for a matter of fact. Breakfast in hotel before the long drive to Halong Bay (Siam Reap Cambodia). Of course, in between we taking a couple of comfort breaks and lunch as well, but basically, putting our butts in the coach throughout the day (Angkor Wat & Ho Chi Minh City). I guess then, best will be catching up on our sleep for ditching aside tiredness which trust me has already accumulated. Tiredness due to action packed sightseeing for the last few days. Did I sleep? I sure did. Me catching up on my sleep or sleep catching up on me, whichever, and while on our way to Halong Bay, rain shelling heavily. Thus, driver slowly down his speed to driving and prior to us arriving in the hotel by 9.00pm, followed by dinner immediately and heading to our respective rooms.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Siem Reap, Cambodia - Let's Explore Together
Siem Reap. Like I have already told you, the main highlight in Siem Reap? Must do. Must explore. Must experience. Angkor Wat. Otherwise, don't bother coming this far or near from wherever you are. What else can you embark on in Siem Reap? Maybe, best will be me sharing what we did in Siem Reap and then, you can decide if you want to opt for the same (Ho Chi Minh City). Our day starting on the same note, hotel buffet breakfast, followed by. Artisan d’Angkor. Artisan d'Angkor. Set up as a social responsibility form for lending support for the underprivileged boys and girls. Training them on hand skills for ensuring they can positively move forward in life now and forever.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia) - Ultimate Grandest
Last night’s
dinner hunger story (Ho
Chi Minh City)? Hellish! I don't even want to talk about. Cramping bus loads of tourists in one specific, no doubt a spacious space, for buffet and cultural show thrown in. Madness. Hardly any space for even pulling out your chair and standing in the queue amongst the hungry like wolves, all walk of life humans? Not my scene. Not at all. Pushing, rushing and waiting, as though you are begging for free meal. I ate so little and I quickly left. To my room within five minutes walk, I showered and to curb my hunger, a hot cuppa of coffee, before literally forcing sleep over me.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) - Let's Explore Together
My first ever solo travel (Bangkok Thailand Part 2 & Chonburi). Tadaa! I did it. I sure did. A proud moment of mine. In fact, one of the most proudest by far in my entire life. Me daring myself to travelling alone (Ayutthaya). Thereafter? On the go again. Thanks to the insights, mainly on courage and ditching aside fear I have already picked up. But not as in solo, solo again. I actually joined a tour group. Where to? Vietnam & Cambodia by paying more compared to the stated amount due to single room occupant. Otherwise, everything else being equal and square. Same package basically. The day arrived and off to the airport where tour guide was already on stand-by, and before going up in the air for landing in Tan Son Nhat airport, followed by to Liberty Central Hotel for our one night stay. At this juncture, friendship ice-berg still at it rawness. Meaning? Friendship water has not been broken though we did smile at each other and after collecting our keys, off to our respective rooms. My room. Sincerely. A comfort zone. Nothing to complain about. Simple yet elegant. Spic and span, and ample space for me, myself and I.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Royal Thai Handicraft Center - Bangkok (Thailand)
The in between, between our sightseeing (Bangkok Part 2)? Stop-over in Royal Thai Handicraft Center (Ayutthaya & Bangkok Part 1). A promising start once you stand outside for admiring the craftsmanship and craftswoman-ship. Trust me, admirable skills. But these men or women at work. They can't be bothered in looking at you. Like zombies, they will just continue doing what they are doing. No action and reaction even if you try to make eye contact or you want to smile at them. I suppose we just leave them alone? Logically.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Ayutthaya (Thailand) - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Ayutthaya! Such a significant name to my ears. Ayutthaya! Bookmarked for as long as I can remember. Me like been patiently waiting to explore Ayutthaya, said as a must do if you are in Bangkok, and finally, the day arrived. As if my dream came through. Though, honestly, I really didn't plan for Ayutthaya to be included in this solo trip of mine which started in Chonburi (Chonburi & Pattaya), followed by arriving in Bangkok (Pathumwan Part 1 & Pathumwan Part 2) and immediately jump starting my sightseeing (Bangkok - Through My Canon). I survived. I sure did. Albeit the hiccup before finding my way back to the hotel (Pathumwan Princess Part 3) and trust me, sleeping alone for the first time in your entire life in a new place? Aha! I made it. Thanks also to the hotel staff and travel agent staff for their kind advice on me safe keeping myself in Bangkok.
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