Yogyakarta, Indonesia ( Day 3) - Nava K Trailed

Buffet breakfast.The first and foremost on our third day. Buffet breakfast, as you know travellers, those of you who travel for business or pleasure so be it, generally is included in our hotel stay Unless otherwise? You have opted out for reasons only you know best? You and your reasons could possibly be? You are not a breakfast person or you prefer to seek your own, your start-up meal of the day? You can. Certainly. But make sure when you book your room, you have made it known. Some hotels do allow, others, sorry to say, I think you have to take the deal. I usually, I grab the deal whenever I am galloping the horizon. Easier, convenient and saves my time. Local inbound tripping on the contrary, well, a different food matter altogether for me. I won’t mind, sure, I am all in for walking my Malaysian ground for food seeking (Kuantan Pahang & Vistana Kuantan City Centre). Anywhere. Literally. Coffee shops or even street stalls. 

Yogyakarta Day 2 - From Nava K To You

Eventually and finally. My lifelong, for the years I have been stalling mission, my many years put on hold mission eventually became reality. Borobudur (Borobudur & Yogyakarta Travel Guide) finally, yippee-yeh, listed as an achievement on my travelling wonder lust. What’s the big deal, are you asking me? Excuse me? Of course, it is definitely a big deal for an average ordinary Malaysian like me. Malaysians like me, we not only juggle between our high daily financial commitment and monthly cost of living, we mind you, have to provide for our aged parents and siblings who are money dependent on us as well. Only thereafter, anything extra we struggle to save bit by bit is kept aside as our money revenue for exploring the world.Trust me, unlike our current generation who are money pampered and money handed out in a silver platter by parents, or dolls who hassle money from sugar daddies, for us, in our fifties, its our hard earned precious money. Money by right we should be keeping aside for our old age instead of travel spending because, as I have already said before (Attractions In Penang), expect no much from children who won't hesitate dumping you when you can't fan for yourself, Sadly, this is the reality bullet from our supposedly educated, professional and earning well Generation Y.     

Thaipusam Batu Caves 2018 - Fulfilling My Vows

I, I sincerely, maybe not always, sometimes, I can't put two and two, or even ten to ten together on why we Hindus are still blindly following or holding on to our religious beliefs, bench-marked and set by our forefathers, our foremothers too were no better (more at Mozer's Subang Parade). As much as I have tried, I for once can’t understand neither comprehend why we are not applying logic and reasoning to those beliefs. Look, in no way am I questioning Hinduism. Better for me to make myself clear before I am attacked by Gang 45 or whichever latest reigning gang. Lets take the recent Sun Eclipse as an example. Many of us can, I reckon, scientifically or technically pin the reasons, but when it comes to reasoning on our staunch Sun Eclipse Hinduism beliefs, all we are good at is forwarding videos by our religious maha gurus. Aplenty of gurus these days mind you. The known, the upcoming and the ones trying to make a name, who keep reminding us why we shouldn’t pray, why we shouldn’t eat and what else we shouldn’t do during the hours of eclipse. 

Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 Nights 2 Days (Part 2)

Honestly, if I am to speak my mind on breakfast next morning in the cramped dining area, I must brand it as such a corny thing (Langkawi Part 1). Basically, food to keep your tummy warm. That's it. Forget about taste and what not, maybe because I have tucked into really sumptuous buffet breakfast in 4 or 5 stars hotels (Casa Del Rio Melaka) before, this breakfast came on as an irritating thingy. Dishes disappearing as quickly as they were refilled because people were akin scrounging scavenging for free food. Not at all a pleasant sight. Mannerism ditched aside, food spilled all over the place, disgusting more than anything else. I really hate such an ugly scenario, albeit I won't complain about the ordinaries like bread, jam, scrambled eggs and the rest of the items anyone can prepare (Port Dickson Part 2 & Sungkai Perak). But if you are asking me about the rest of the dishes, goodness gracious, I rather not even waste my time telling you. I did however tuck into a tiny bit of food (Alor Setar Kedah), of course coffee is a must (Penang Thaipusam) for me first thing in the morning. 

Kyoto (Japan) - Arashiyama

After two winters trip-travelling, I thought I had enough. No more winter holiday for me. Honestly, I can’t stand-sit-walk winter at all. Definitely not for someone like me who winter shiver and shake till my bones, until almost every part of my body is frozen numbed. Literally till down “there” degree cold. Down where? Down there. That my akin KGB classified part I will never reveal to the virtual world. As it is, believe me, when it rains, I switch off all the fans, can you imagine me-my winter time? Layers upon layers with or without stitches, yet I tremble. Therefore, when another all paid winter holiday was thrown at my feet (Hilton Niseko Village, Hokkaido), to tell you the truth, I was unsure. To go or not to go? Dilemma. Should I? A yes would mean I must brave winter shivering, on the other hand, if I reject, it will be such a waste for not capping another feather on my world globe-trotting gram (Seoul Korea). Eventually, what the hell I told myself. Hack aside winter, I will deal with it there and then, moreover, since my travelling legs were massively itching (Kerala India), I tagged alongside my other half-half and some known, others unknown 25 people for this back again to Japan wanderlust (Sapporo/Hokkaido). Kyoto and Osaka (6 Days 5 Nights).   

Langkawi (Kedah) - 2 nights 2 days (Part 1)

The road less traveled. Indeed. By far, this short and sassy Langkawi holiday I think was my first ever road less traveled eye opener. All the while, I either pilot flew (Penang Thaipusam & South Africa) or I car traveled during off peak season (Casa del Rio Melaka, Portuguese Settlement & Sungkai Perak) This, my other half-half’s company trip (Port Dickson), a long winded bus journey, also, a non-inclusive of all paid for budgeted two days holiday, alongside almost 50 different characters in two coaches, was totally akin a rocket scientist madness. Departing late Friday night from Nilai during this public holiday weekend, unspeakable crawling snarling traffic and long queues at “R & R” for loo stops and one hunger stop. Massively tested my patience, so little of it I have by the way as I grow older. Thankfully, we made before time at Kuala Kedah (Alor Setar Kedah), more madness thrown in for securing a table at the coffee shop across the jetty for breakfast. Breakfast tummy filled, within the next hour, we were already among the many, some of course must push jolt you aside, what can you expect, if not all, some unruly Malaysians, prior to carefully hopping into the ferry. 

Casa del Rio Melaka

Been on my mind. Undeniably. Casa del Rio has already been sashed on my in-country-bound travel pail list. Maybe, let's say for the last 5 years or so, most probably because I have read, simultaneously picture awed Casa del Rio in the virtual world. Great reviews, spectacular pictures, utterly, I simply wanted to experience at least, one night will do in Casa del Rio. Nevertheless, due to distance, two hours drive to Melaka, and believe me, money does matter for Casa Del Rio, quite exclusively priced, I ditch it aside. Then again, you never know. Like they say, patience does pay, potentially, Casa del Rio still, stood still in my bold, profound thoughts.   

Seoul - (Korea Day 7 & 8)

I made sure I fueled energized my tummy with lotsa food next morning. I had to. Remember, I skipped dinner the previous night, moreover, my last meal was at 2.00pm (Pyeongchang/Yongjin)?Right. Actually, I could have, if I wanted to, call for room service, then again, what for? Korean food is already up my throat. Enough. Thankfully, instead of the usual hotel buffet, we had breakfast in one of the unknown restaurants. Self service, comparatively an appetizing meal, pumpkin porridge and spinach porridge, eaten alongside Kimchi soup and condiments. But, eating in the messy dining area, after the big groups of tourists have left, simultaneously, while the staff were massively sulking, as if earthquake is gonna strike soon, didn't go down well with us. Did we have a choice? I guess not. I of course was  irritated. I still ate because my hunger throne was my only concern.   

Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 3)

Inconclusive. Our walking mission from one corner of Jonker Walk to the other for another overnight stay (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 2) didn't get us anywhere. Unfortunately. We did in fact, viewed quite a number of home stays, some of it highly recommended in online travelling platforms (Melaka Jonker Walk Part 1 & Portuguese Settlement). However, despite almost two hours of walking, at the same time popping in and our of the home stays, we concluded that its such a waste to our time. All we ended up with was not only sweat dripping, our legs too almost ripped, fell apart. Still, mission was not halted, who knows we may discover a home stay we will be pleased with, at this juncture, to wind down our momentum and for a cool burst down our dry throat and tongue, we unanimously we agreed for Melaka Cendol and Melaka Ice Kacang in Jonker 88. Absolutely. Melaka dessert game on.  

Pyeongchang/Yongjin - (Korea Day 6)

Breathtaking overnight in Alpensia Resort. Spacious clean room, packaged alongside quite a spacious balcony. Compared to some of the previous rooms where I felt as though I was locked up in a North Korean hell hole. Tiny window and cramped rooms with hardly space to move around, thank god I could find no fault on cleanliness and equipped well with literally the things I generally look forward to (Pyeonchang Korea Day 5). In Alpensia Resort, I appreciated the fact that it was worth paying for this rather pricey tour. Mind you, for me especially, because I am a single room occupant, I have, as usual, coughed out extra Malaysian Ringgit (Korea Day 1 & Jeju Island Day 2). Therefore, my room with a balcony utterly happily shattered my night away. Albeit I can't exactly tell you how long I was at the balcony, either standing or seated on the chair, I exceptionally loved it. Imagine? Imagine breathing mountainous fresh air (Nami Island & Jeju Island), at the same time loving the chilly breeze gently blowing all over you? Oh-wow, serendipitous. 

Melaka - Jonker Walk (Part 2)

Malaysians I think are a peculiar lot. Don't get me wrong. Please don't get all worked and throw slippers at me. I know how emotional we Malaysians can get even on the most tiniest things. I am in no way generalising, neither am I pointing fingers at anyone in particular. Then again, if the cap fits, please wear it instead of being in denial. Consequentially, I must speak about the rich and famous or Malaysians who like to be known as rich, I shouldn't even care less about Malaysians who have migrated. Like they say, don't bite the hand that fed you, well and good for those who have migrated. I can understand. The grass always look greener on the other side or because Malaysia is a chicken feet. Hopefully, I sincerely hope I won't see my friends returning back to Malaysia as asylum seekers, sooner or later. Especially those who not only can't stop bragging about how life is far better in US or Australia, apart from that, keep condemning and criticizing Malaysia, so sad for these small minded people who fail to accept the fact that life sucks throughout the world.  

Pyeonchang - (Mount Sorak/Jeongdongjin/Daegwallyeong) - Korea Day 5

Tour guides can make or break your holiday. They sure can. They can either make your travel-gram memorable or ruin it all. But, for those of you who opt for traveling by your own back bone, you don’t have to give a damn on towering guides. Really, you don’t have to. Women like me on the other hand, I know I have a choice, whether I like it all in a tour or not, that’s beside the point. I still prefer tour travelling. Call me an orthodox traveler if you want, I am least bothered, a safe bet for me is an all planned and all paid for tour. Basically, everything is cared for, and mind you, I am a solo tour traveler. The only thing, that too not a major thing, is "sleeping alone" (ahem!). Actually, come to think of it, I can sleep with someone else, let's name it same-sex or different sex "tour travel", that by the way is not why I travel alone. My fear of sleeping alone is mainly because I am not a spooky friendly person, albeit I am on my own for days when my other half-half travels for work. 

Melaka - Portuguese Settlement (Restaurant De Costa's 8)

Lemme speak a tiny bit on Portuguese Settlement. Those I think I am familiar with instead of taking the easy way out by cutting and pasting, obviously in academic terms we call it “plagiarism”. Plagiarism indeed is a rampant madness attitude even among the self-proclaimed top-notch bloggers, all in the name of fanning for popularity, fame, likes and followers. The best part of it all is that people actually fall for copied crab stuffs instead of believing those who share their sincere, genuine and honest real-time experiences. Wish I can shame those copycats who evidently have not the mastered the art of copying, sadly though. Sad isn't? I should mill them through "Plagiarism" software.

Nami Island & Petite France - Korea (Day 4)

Bye bye Jeju Island, here we come Nami Island. Breakfast, bags packed, off to the airport and by the time we arrived in Seoul, timing was just right for lunch. Hunger of course had already called. I definitely need my lunch meal because I am not the piggy-pig kind of buffet breakfast person. In fact, I think I have told you before, I don’t take breakfast. But when I travel, I do keep my tummy warm by filling in some food to fuel energy for all the walking during sightseeing. On this day, after just tadbit of breakfast at about 8.00am, I naturally yearned for a fulfilling meal once we arrived in this tiny Korean restaurant. But the sight of Korean steamboat again, again?, almost killed me on the spot even before tucking in. Oh-god! Is there no other food in Korea except steamboat and hot-pot? Unbelievable. Either, as I have already said, its steamboat or hotplate, or none other, or is it like this when you travel in a tour? I don’t know. Rather puzzling actually. Did we dare ask the pain in the butt tour guide? Nope. 

Jeju Island (Part 2) - Korea (Day 3)

No two ways about it. Unquestionably, travelling in a tour requires discipline. Yes please. There is no such a thing as you wish in a clearly listed tour. Obviously, you can’t follow your own travelling heart by wondering as you please. Instead, it is about abiding to the unspoken travelling rules. Otherwise, you will be billed as a nuisance by the tour guide and tour buddies. So sorry everyone, if you can’t pay attention to the tour guide on safety rules and time limit, you better ditch the idea of tour travelling (Sapporo/Hokkaido). I know better. I can strongly vouch because experiences speaks louder than words. In Jeju Island, it had to be the same agenda in the morning. Waking up by 7.00am, sometimes even earlier, showering of course is your choice, followed by breakfast and most to most by 9pm, sometimes you have to pack if we are not returning to the same hotel. Also, do try to empty your bowels instead of restlessly interrupting while on the way for sightseeing (Istanbul Turkey, Pretoria South Africa & Colombo Sri Lanka).

Alor Setar - Kedah (Nava-K's One Day Postcard)

Being married to someone who is married to his or her job is not all that rosy and sunshiny. I know. Ask me and I'll willingly spill all of it. Its sincerely really a tough call for me. Irregular working hours, sometimes work calls for during the weekends and public holidays, and at the end of the day, no matter how late it is, I have to listen to his ups and downs. More importantly, I have to take care of myself, especially when he is away (Sungkai Perak & Pork Dickson). Then again, this workaholism does throw in some happy perks every once a while and if your life-time soulmate’s job involves inbound/outbound travelling, you might as well try your luck by piggy backing him, her and it (Chitose & Hokkaido).

Jeju Island (Part 1) - Korea (Day 2)

First half day of sightseeing in Seoul (Korea Day I - Incheon to Seoul), we returned to Incheon airport for our domestic flight to Jeju Island. Spilling over await in the long queue among the hundreds during this supposedly off peak season in Korea, who do you expect to see travelling throughout the year, except mostly “Made In China” Chinese. Malaysians too I think are seriously taking their globetrotting lifestyle "Up In The Air", in fact, even those born with a dented wooden spoon in their mouth are joining forces in trip-travelling all the time. 

Korea Day 1 - Incheon to Seoul

Another solo trip of mine in an arranged tour (Istanbul Turkey & Dubai) alongside 14 people I had no clue whosoever they are, Korea was the said destination. Now, to all the adventurous wise cracks who are right now reading this "Korea Here I Come" venture of mine, will you please stop wondering why I didn't backpack or travel on my own. Of course I sincerely appreciate your advise, but let me tell you that I have already before hand done my homework. What I found out is that the ordinary Koreans on the streets really can't speak English, so obviously, I am going to have one hack of a time communication with them should the need arise. Definitely it is bound to happen, holding on to a map and trying to pick up Korean language there and then may show the way, especially on "Amazing Race", but in reality, many travel bloggers don't actually tell you what can go wrong due to language barrier. Additionally, compared to 8 years ago when I had bags of energy, my overall well-being is not the same anymore (Penang - The Pearl Of The Orient).  

Sungkai - Perak, Malaysia (Overnight Excursion)

Have you realise how stressful life is these days? Indeed, I won’t deny. I am of course not at all talking about the headline grabbing glamorous social media life many are living, I am certainly referring to life behind the fast lane which bounces big balls of fire. Let’s call the big hard balls as the challengers, especially in the city, what matters most undisputedly is money. Money! No money, sorry to say everyone, we are doomed ding-dong-bell because in front of each step we take, money is the leader. Money may be sunny in a rich man world, nevertheless, money does not fall from the sky though some people I know are under the impression that by praying daily, god will throw money down. Unfortunately though, the reality is otherwise. Slogging non-stop for your career or business is the ringtone for proud-pride status and tagging with it is naturally stress.    

Port Dickson - Negeri Sembilan Getaway (Day 2)

Port Dickson (Part 1) Sightseeing. What an experience. Pheww! Walking non-stop, climbing up and down, sweating like a dog in the blistering sun and I think for the first time in my entire life, I actually literally begged for water. Frankly speaking, when I returned to the hotel after the few hours of touring Port Dickson, I was not only dazed in tiredness, I also felt as though my legs are going to automatically fall apart. No doubt, going from one place to the other was a treasured experience in further strengthening my backbone for bravely exploring places on my own, yet, I still had a tiny element of fear inside me. The fear I can’t let go despite having travelled to near (Penang) and far away places (Hilton Niseko Village Hokkaido & Pretoria South Africa), mainly fear of being mugged, robbed, accidentally losing my phone or handbag, or collapsing out of sheer exhaustion. Among these, the worst is fearing the fear of uncontrollable heart beat due anxiety and nervousness (My Fifties).