Sapporo/Hokkaido - Japan (Day 6) Winter Time

What a disappointment. Duh! Sightseeing crumbled crushed because of heaviest winter lashing. Can you imagine how I would have felt when told sightseeing infinitely has been cancelled? For me personally, travelling is about sightseeing and none other. Not shopping neither even food tucking. But I suppose I had to accept the fact that there's nothing much for us for the day except shopping (Otaru Sapporo). In fact, we were also told to be prepared for flight cancellation and another day, if we have to, staying back due to this one of the worst winter. Yet, I didn't stop keeping my fingers crossed. Hope still continued to flame for "Okurayama Viewing Point", the 1972 Winter Olympic Games sky jumping venue. In the end, hope came crashing down like the massive white snow falling. Confirmed its a no go as well for viewing the entire Sapporo city from atop mountain peak and Sapporo Shrine located in Maruyama Park. Bottom line, no sightseeing at all (Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido & Chitose/Hokkaido). Bang! Frankly speaking, I felt as though a shape travelling arrow had pierced into my heart and a big explosion has erupted in my head despite being aware that we shouldn't make matters worst when weather is playing sparks. Being safe definitely must be adhered. tell me about weather ruining our hard earned travelling money? Never mind I then calmly told myself. Was there anything I could have done? Unfortunately and sadly, nothing.     

Otaru (Sapporo - Hokkaido) - Winter Time

Day 5. Our day in Otaru which is about 45 minutes drive from Sapporo. Waking up feeling really well rested, we, yes, we totally crashed on bed early the previous night due to tiredness already catching up on us (Noboribetsu, Hokkaido & Chitose/Hokkaido). I definitely woke up looking forward to exploring Otaru. Said as must be included in your Hokkaido tour, it will be trust me and like the rest of the tour groups, I knew we will be exploring the same tourist spots. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but slide into my deep thoughts. One one side, I was sort of glad I will returning home in another two days time, on the other, I dreaded the daily grind awaiting me the moment I am home bound. Quite a dwelling matter actually, given a choice, honestly, I would love to travel 365 days, yet, the reality is that unless money fall from the sky, I need to work and I need to save before travel venturing again. Tell me about it. The reality bullet to middle income people like us. Sure. Anyway, instead of wasting more time getting worked up emotionally, I got ready and came down to the dining area for breakfast. Walla! Satisfying favourable Japanese breakfast. Bacon, eggs, Japanese porridge, soups and a cuppa of piping hot coffee for body warming me before we embarked on our journey along the Pacific Ocean to arrive in Otaru.   

Hokkaido, Japan - Day 2 (Winter Time)

Always and forever, the first night away from home is the most difficult night to sleeping. In fact, this matter to sleeping while travelling has always and I think will always be a code non cracker for me. Hammer house of horror scariness mostly is the main reason, thankfully, during this Hokkaido/Sapporo travel venturing, I had my other half-half, the love of my life with me. That pretty much calmed me down from ghost haunting playing on my mind and of course, on the other hand, for winter snazzy cuddling, warmth lovey-dovey bed time. Still, when you have to sleep over in a bed which is not your familiar home bed, it will I guess, no matter what, be an interrupted sleeping rhythm. Most to most, I reckon both of us slept for maybe 4 to  hours. Up by 7.00pm for showering and believe me, layering yourself in winter clothes can eat up on your time as well. To the dining area by 8.00am, we tucked into the favourable spread. Great meal. My kinda meal of all sorts. My-My! Utterly satisfying Western, Asian and Japanese food goodness. 

Colombo - Sri Lanka (Nava K Seen)

Final league. Final road travelling league for our 2 days in Colombo from Galle. Miles and miles already on the road, starting from Negambo, Kandy, Nurwara Eliya and Katagarama, today, its the final loop. Another road loop. Thankfully. Frankly speaking, if you are asking for my opinion how it has been so far,  let me be out-rightly blunt. Basically, honest to goodness, listen, I must agree and I must salute Sri Lanka as haven paradise. But the thing to hours from one place to the other I think made us the losers to time. I really couldn't get it. Road mode of transport literally taking up our time instead of more on sightseeing. According to our tour guide, he kept telling us there is nothing to see for this route we have opted for. Beats me. We still sense this lazy bum of a fellow is taking us for a joyride. Maybe not his fault. He is we concluded merely a driver, not a tour guide. Nevermind. But he is another person who love to sulk and complain. Like the worst one in our tour group, the rest were not too bad, this fellow is only interested in safe guarding his interest. Sulking about sightseeing spots due to lack of parking, so little knowledge on Sri Lanka and coming with it attractions, additionally, his Sri Lankan ascent, through his thick and thin birth. By the third day, we sort of knew. His tricks definitely didn't work on us. So much so we literally forced him to thirst for sightseeing spots we wanted to visit. Imagine ending up this sort of person? Whatever said, he knew he had to pull up his socks. Good. On our route to Colombo, he made it a point in stopping us at the beaches, monuments and he slowed down to driving as well so that we can peep at the whatever which attracted our attention along the way. 

Negambo - Sri Lanka

Taking my time for digesting the fact that I actually, truly had my moment to one of the best travelling prides in South Africa (Pretoria City Tour & Cape Town), prior to that travel conquering Thailand as well (The Golden Triangle & Chiang Mai), within the next few months, I decided. Money was still sunny, so, why not, I had already allocated the cash aside, I ventured on my own again. However, I had no clue whatsoever where it should be. I went like, where should I start. Of course, what are travel agents for? For us to opt between the choices to all paid for packages. After weighing the pros and cons, I made up my mind. Sri Lanka my paradise. Already been said, countless times as a must do, primarily by Indians. Whether Sri Lanka is a popular destination amongst our Malaysian Chinese or Malays, I really can't affirm, but Sri Lanka, without a doubt, sincerely have been ranked as one of the number one spots by Indians. Why not? I too have been toying with the idea of Sri Lanka venturing. Can't be all the time lending my ears to others who can't stop blowing hot air on literally Sri Lanka everything instead of me myself finding out if Sri Lanka is as sensation as said to be? 

Pretoria City Tour - Gauteng Province (South Africa)

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. 

Johannesburg Travel Guide - (South Africa)

 

Cape Town (Part 3, Part 2 & Part 1) and Lion Park conquered, subsequently, its gonna be here we coming to get you Sun City. Where we will spending the hours at our leisure or at our whims and fancy, free and easy fullest. Into the coach after breakfast for the estimated two hours journey to north-west Johannesburg, our lunch break in between took place in "Upper Deck Restaurant”. Another similar ambiance to Kirstenbosch Garden Moyo Restaurant, boosting a laid-back rustic, huge lively garden and live music, Upper Deck Restaurant on the other hand is a grill restaurant. Wow! Impressive for someone like me who have always been fond of dining in a garden setting, shaded by trees and plants. Taking our seat at the already reserved outside dining area, thank god, instead of being cramped in the inside, noisy and packed to its rim dining area, we tucked into our meal consisting of soup, salad and opting between the seafood, steak and lamb platters. Washed down with canned drinks, some preferred chilled beers, whereas the sweet ending of the extremely and overly sweet local delicacies were too much to handle. All in all, I must say it was an appreciated meal. That's about it. Nothing sensational nor spectacular or something totally new to me and honestly, this kinda of huge portion meal will go down well for big eaters and not for small eaters. Basically, such a waste when you can't finish up.        

Despite literally forcing ourselves, maybe one or two managed to lick the platter clean, but for the most of us, there food went to waste. However, the good thing of it all, instead of leaving behind the portions, we helped our tour guide to pack them for the underprivileged whom we were told dig rubbish bins for food. Sad and heart breaking isn't it? I know. Here we are dining in a classy restaurant and there people are scavenging bins for food. In fact, for the past few days after our lunch and dinner, we packed whatever leftovers for the needy and poor people. Initially, we didn't know what was going. We couldn't understand what our tour guide was up to, but once it reached our ears, we too did our part in lending support to her kind deeds. Sincerely, something that touched us deep into our mind. More importantly, one of the best lessons to our travelling gram for making us realise not to waste food and to appreciate each decent meal we sometimes take for granted or fuss for no apparent reason. 

Bergen - Norway (Day 2 & 3)

Down to the last two days before curtains are permanently drawn on our Denmark and Norway tour. On this second last day, our sightseeing started at Bergen's waterfront port (Bergen Norway Day 1). Vessels, ships and boats, we actually had the chance to being nearest to the sea. I loved it. Honestly. I am crazy about anything that water "gotto" to do. Sea, river, waterfall or even ponds (Vossestrand, Gol, Fjord & Flam). Basically, I am a nature lover, nonetheless, I can also truly immerse myself in history (Oslo Norway). Undoubtedly, for keeping me wise as I grow older, in my book of knowledge. Already a few volumes, one which is close to my body, mind and soul for stirring me up in the most tantalising, teasing regards (Copenhagen Day 2, Copenhagen Day 1 Part 2 & Copenhagen Day 1 Part 1). Henceforth, at this Bergen port, I stood so close to the edge, I threw in me, my, myself moment of fun clowning, simultaneously I pictured for memory external drive.  

Bergen, Norway (Day 1)

Bergen. The rainy city. Indeed. Rain trailed behind and in front of us. From the time we arrived till dinner, rain stubbornly followed us to the hotel too. Dinner definitely did wonders. Much looked forward since its been quite an action packed, exuberant and back to back seventh heaven day. Power adventurous, as well as tiring (Vossestrand, Gol, Fjord & Flam). In fact, by this day, tiredness had crushed us up much deeper (Oslo Norway, Copenhagen Day 2, Copenhagen Day 1 Part 2 & Copenhagen Day 1 Part 1). Therefore, most of us I think knocked off sound and safe throughout the whole night. Next morning, after the Norwegian buffet breakfast which by far was already up to my throat, I ate so little by the way, lazily we began our Bergen sightseeing. First stop at Bergen Aquarium in the messy wet weather. Shielded under the given umbrella, we walked within the compound for our animal loving moment. Penguins! Right there. Right in front. Penguins at once akin showered aplenty cheerfulness on me. I just so couldn't take my eyes off from these care free, black, grey and white beauties. Prettiness. In their own pride, prejudice they were too. Aha! Proud Penguins. 

Norway - Vossestrand, Gol, Fjord & Flam

Throwback Norway and Denmark (Oslo Norway, Copenhagen Day 2, Copenhagen Part 2 & Copenhagen Part 1). Consecutively, a morning kick jump start all the way to Vossestrand. Of course, must be interlinked alongside comfort breaks. First brekkie at one of the road side cafes for easing and hot coffee, some preferred ice cream which they believe will keep them warm during winter. Beats me though. Back on the road, at about, roughly 1pm, we lunched in Solstad Hotel, Gol. Salmon alongside potatoes and veggies rated as okay, for me nonetheless, nothing is a meal unless its rice and spicy dishes. Regardless, tummy filling was essential and then, as we walked before hopping into the coach and also, while journeying, there was no short of crystal clear view of Gol. In fact, all the way from where we started, Norway by itself, from any angle you look at, even from this side is sensual. Calm and serene, non pressured life, albeit service with a smile is yet to be affirmed, but, our driver, who hardly spoke, was totally nature free with his smile.   

Oslo, Norway

We made it, Hallelujah!! We made it even earlier for our overnight cruise to Oslo (Copenhagen Day 2, Copenhagen Day 1 Part 2 & Copenhagen Day 1 Part 1). Nothing! Literally nothing to do neither to see, of course  you can stare at the sea for the longest time. Into our tiny, basic and well maintained cabin for putting our things aside, thereafter, pretty much an earlier dinner. Aplenty seafood, obviously you can eat till you drop buffet in the wide dining area, it will be nice if you sit near the windows for the sea view while tucking in. And then what? As I have already said, nothing much, maybe most to most 30 minutes of walking the ship. Even then, it is back to doomed. Boredom. Henceforth, I decided to shower and practically forced sleep on me, whereas other half-half got together with the guys for poker and some drinks. Don't know what time he returned because surprisingly, I slept like a log of wood, every now and then, I did feel as though I was sea floating. A tiny bit of rock and roll which I don't think got to me. Thank god. Our morning was broken with, before anything else, showering, prior to tucking into breakfast, subsequently, clearing our room and awaited for an hour for safe landing in Oslo. Right off, sightseeing started.

Copenhagen (Denmark) - Day 2 (Frederiksborg Slot & Kronborg Castle)

Fruitful first day. Utter but there's still 7 days for positively shattering us. Admittedly quite a tiring day as well. Sightseeing walking within the next 2 hours after almost a day of sleep deprivation due airport in and out, and also being up in the air, indeed, tiredness eventually caught up on us. Nevertheless, in all genuine fairness, Copenhagen couldn't at all be faulted. Copenhagen remarkably opened up in its most starling, calm and serene as ever regards (Copenhagen Part 2 & Copenhagen Part 1). Having said that, as tired as we were, we couldn't shut down for the day. Never easy-peasy I believe when you are in a totally new environment. Unfamiliarity or because we can't contain our far travelled overwhelming happiness, sleep might trouble us. Aside to whether we slept, or just catnapped, or we didn't sleep at all, sightseeing the following morning must go on. It must. I guess you won't even have a choice to staying behind, if there's a switch in hotel. So, everyone must get ready by 9.00pm. Whether you skipped or heartily tucked into the hotel buffet breakfast, that's beside to the point. Time is still essence for sightseeing. We did, prior to arriving in Frederiksborg Slot. Stupendous! What a super duper morning start. Nature breather huge garden walkway, huge trees overshadowing tadbit of sunshine from god's heaven, and colorful flowers gently dancing in the faint breeze as we walked while inhaling fresh air. Conquering and immersing me instantly. So lovable. A long walk obviously till where the castle is.

Copenhagen (Denmark ) - Day 1 (Part 2)

Wondrous start. I loved the weather. Not hot, neither shivering me cold, still, a thick sweater shielded me. Glad we were that winter was not as bizarre as we were prior told to be prepared. Good god sign, after visiting "The Little Mermaid", she did sincerely mesmerised me especially, we could have actually walked to Gedion Fountain. Then again, when its an expensively paid for holiday, we coach travelled to Churchill Park. Except for a countable number of tourists, we were the only group at Gefion Fountain. Located in an open square for freely flying moving around as a bird, no rushing and pushing. Thank god. Wish guide had parted at least a tiny bit of significance on Gefion Fountain, nevertheless, we excitedly circled this biggest monument in Copenhagen, inaugurated in 1908 as the celebration of Carlsberg Brewery's 50th birthday. Powerful Nordic goddess Gefion with her 4 oxen is the main figure, I bet you won't miss seeing her standing pride and proud high, and the rest of it in splashing up and down water fountain Gefion Fountain.

Copenhagen (Denmark ) - Day 1 (Part 1)

My travelling bags, as well as my kept aside shoes for walking me while travelling screamed their lungs out when I gave them a broad smile to indicate that they will be put to good use (Krabi Libra Cruise & Perth My Knowledge Travel Venture). My smile pretty much indirectly told them that they will be travelling alongside me throughout this 9 days & 7 nights Denmark & Norway tour. Oh-mamma-mia! All of us happily grinned and glittered together, thanks to my other half-half for this our regarded as worked hard and rewarded globetrotting holiday. Our second in line, the first was (2 Days Of Rome). I of course have had my fair share of seeing the world on my own while other half-half was working his butt out. Potentially for reaping rewarding us towards this already planned a year ahead holiday. Our much eagerly awaited day arrived, off we left to KLIA prior to landing in Amsterdam for Copenhagen transiting. Stepping foot at the airport (Ho Chi Minh City & Bangkok Through My Canon) less than an hour for every clearance group, off we left to Slotsholmen for lunching at one of the Chinese restaurants along the row of shops. To the first floor, in all excitement I completely forgot to note down the name of the restaurant. Believe me, I was still pinching myself from the moment we walked from the main road. Unbelievable. Am I actually in Copenhagen? Yes, I am. Our early lunch, by 11.30pm, opened up invitingly.

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.  

Kek Lok Si Temple - Ayer Itam, Penang

After tucking into the sensational, my kind of Asam Laksa, I walked to Kek Lok Si Temple (also known as Temple of Supreme Bliss). The largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia, perched against a hill slope. Before walking further, I stopped at the "Pond of Longevity" to see the hundreds of tortoises set free by the devotees.

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).  

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). 

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).