Just something I captured during coffee break in Edinburgh
Nonsense …
01 Thu Feb 2024
Posted in from the deck
Author Archives: Gina WNDR
Let’s Be Honest
07 Sun Jan 2024
Posted in from the deck
If I am being honest, I have not been completely honest with myself. I have been feeling tired. I have come so close to quitting, to giving it all up, to just run away. I have run out of reasons for which giving my all is justified. That is me being honest.
However, I was raised to keep going, to believe that everything will fall into place, that everything will be fine and that everything that happened only happened because that is how I meant to become the person I want to be. Everything that had happened indeed made me the person I am today.
Letting go is not always the same as giving up or quitting. It is knowing the limit. It is necessary for mental and physical health. Holding on is not always egoistic, but the strength to keep going when it is difficult.
So, let’s be honest, always with ourselves first. Stop when you have reached your limit, and having limitations does not make us weak.
Just my thoughts for the week. Every day is a fresh start.
I.O.U Restaurant, Seoul, South Korea
03 Wed Jan 2024
Posted in from the lab
Service : 10/10
Ambience : 9/10 (You would probably think twice before going in because it is very quiet from the outside. This could be because it is winter and no one sits outside). They have a very nice outdoor area, which would have been perfect during spring, summer, and autumn. Getting there, though, is another story, rather, like a challenge climbing up the elevations!
Food : Chef’s Course –
Amuse – Bouche – octopus with a grape cut in slices, burrata cheese. It was perfect in size, taste, and display. 10/10
Fried Scallop Crab, Raspberry & Fennel Dressing, Green Salad – I like the raspberries in the dressing but not so much the Fennel dressing itself. The crab and scallops were wrapped in a perfectly crunchy fried “skin”. The taste though may not be for everyone. I had mixed feelings on my tongue. It was not bad, but it was not something I enjoyed among the course. 7/10
Gamba, Butter Oil Sauce, Rucola, Red Tomato Pasta – this came as a surprise to me. It was really good, although I wished the prawn would be more tender. Nevertheless, this pasta made me want to try their pasta selection! 9.5/10
Snapper Papillote, Ratatouille, Tomato Coulis – I am not a fish person. I must say though, the snapper did not taste too ‘fish-y’ and with the onions and seasoning, it was edible to me. This rating is probably biased as I am not a fish person. 6.5/10
Tenderloin, Grilled Vegetables, Mushroom Sauce (additional KRW10,000) – as I always do, I ordered my tenderloin medium done. It came slightly more well than the medium I was hoping for. I noticed though that I quite frequently had been getting more well than medium done steak in 2023, climate change in the kitchen? As such, the tenderloin was less juicy than I hoped it would be. The mushroom sauce was good. Overall 8.5/10
Tiramisu & Ice Cream – the tiramisu was perfect! The vanilla ice cream was good too. 10/10
I went back for a second night and had their ala carte menu. I ordered –
Beef Carpaccio – portion wise, would be perfect for 2 pax. Taste wise, with the cheese and cherry tomatoes, I thought it was good. I prefer not squeezing the lemon. 9.5/10
Seafood saffron risotto – the texture of the risotto is al dante, which is not common in Asia, as risottos are either too soft and soupy that your throat gets queasy fast or too hard that it makes you wonder if you had ordered “rice” instead. Yes, risotto is rice too, but you know what I mean. The seafood juice blended well with the risotto without leaving that “extra seafood taste” that every bite taken with different seafood would taste differently. The saffron was really just a hint and that is not so bad because too much saffron can be too overwhelming for you to taste anything else. It also came with a king prawn, which tasted rather fresh. 9.5/10
Overall, I would rate my experience 9.5/10. Interestingly, they have non-alcoholic wine selection.
Information on I.O.U Restaurant –
WWW : http://restaurantiou.com/
Address : 16, Wonhyo-ro 1-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
IG : https://www.instagram.com/restaurant_iou?igsh=a3BjYXcwODZvejgx
Let’s Begin Again, 2024
02 Tue Jan 2024
Posted in from the deck
Tags
#GalaxyS23Ultra5G, #NotPaidToMentionBrands, #SamsungGalaxyPhotography, #SamsungGalaxyS23Ultra5G, #ShotOnGalaxyS23Ultra5G, ginatravels, globetrotter, globetrotting, holidays, LifeisGood, lifestyle, newdiscoveries, nextdestination, Samsung, TopContributor, travelbug, TripAdvisor, wanderlust
Hey, it has been way too long since I last published a post. I do not intentionally celebrate each beginning of the year in big ways like most people do, nor do I wish anyone “Happy New Year”, other than in the form of a reply to the said wish. I do not have New Year’s resolutions as well as I did not see the need for this. I do set goals, but the cut-off time for fresh new ones was never the ending of the calendar year nor the kick-off time commencing from the new year. This time around, though, so much had happened for the past couple of years, I decided to start a 5-year plan. Hopefully, God will be on my side as he always has. 1 thing remains the same, I plan to keep travelling and feeding food to my soul. 2024, hopefully, we will see more posts on my travels and travel related materials here. For a start, here’s a little something from Seoul.
Weekend Getaway in Kuala Lumpur, A Stay at Novotel
03 Sun Jan 2021
Posted in from the deck, from the lab
While keeping it safe, practicing the “new norm” (term which I somehow dislike), we try to keep sane. A real wanderer would understand …
This is a throwback from a couple of weeks ago. We all know how it is possible now to get this kind of suites at the price of what would have been the price of executive rooms (or whatever they are called nowadays), under normal circumstances ie pre the pandemic.
It has been a (long) while since I last posted a review (of any sort). Had been busy with the work that pays me enough to enjoy my hobbies. So, here goes (ratings are [x] over 5) …
Checking in – 4.5/5
There is supposed to be a “counter” dedicated for ALL members but the sign was not very obvious and seemed to be opened to anyone. Note – at the time of checking in, there was no big crowd, 2 others before me and there were 3 counters. As an ALL member, since the queue was very short, I did not mind but as a paid member, anyone would be upset if the queue is long. Something Accor hotels (in fact all hotels with paid membership) must pay attention to as it is one of the paid privileges.
Rooms – 4/5
Nothing particularly wrong or to my dislike but why 4 out of 5? Well, for a suite, the coffee/tea facility corner did not quite match. Yes, there was the sophisticated coffee machine with the coffee capsules but, the corner was very small, cramped with the cups, glasses, etc, located behind the work desk, which made it a little inconvenient when the work desk is occupied (usually by me, working).
The Bed(s) – 5/5
Hotels just have the best beds and pillows, most hotels, and those under the Accor group, have not disappoint me so far. I love feather pillows, tonnes of them, and I am sorry to all the ducks, birds and such.
The Bathroom – 5/5
I have nothing to complain. The bathtub was clean and of good size, the heater worked great, the shower was awesome and the wardrobe was inside the bathroom (which is not common), making it so convenient.
The Ancillary Facilities – No Rating
1. WiFi – I rarely connect to the hotel WiFi when in Malaysia. Generally because the LTE network is usually better.
2. Breakfast/F&B – Not going to rate this area for no specific reasons. I just do not think that I should for fear that it will be misunderstood as rating on the restaurants.
Conclusion
Well, it is a good hotel at a great location ie opposite the Pavilion (accessible by foot via the covered bridge). Service was warm and welcoming. Parking though, was close to horrible. It was near horror driving a big car/MPV. Other than the car park, all is good.
Closing Statement
The photos are mine. This is a personal view and is not a paid review. To each, is a different experience.
P.S. – Photos are of 2 different junior suites located on different floors.
A Quick Weekend Getaway
03 Sat Oct 2020
Posted in Uncategorized
Just a quick getaway for my sister’s birthday. Always one of the best stays in Kuala Lumpur, Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences.
Short Stay at Hilton
29 Tue Sep 2020
Posted in Uncategorized
My stay for a few days … how I miss travelling!!!
#ginatravels #ATEbygina #AndWander #travelessentials #travelbug #wanderlust #TripAdvisor #TopContributor #globetrotter #globetrotting #nextdestination #newdiscoveries #lifestyle #SamsungGalaxyS10Plus #Samsung #GalaxyS10+ #ShotOnGalaxyS10Plus #GalaxyS10PlusPhotography #LifeisGood #holidays #AmNotPaidToMentionBrands #Hilton #Honors
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/members-forums/gina_a_r_htc
https://gina-ar.com/
Year 2020, In Summary
21 Mon Sep 2020
Posted in from the deck
Year 2020 has been on hyperlapse and it has been bumpy …
Córdoba, España
27 Wed May 2020
Posted in from the deck
A little throwback of our quick 120 minutes stop at Cordoba.
Cordoba was our stopover between Granada to Sevilla. A beautiful place. The POIs, a must visit. One of the most significant historical landmarks in Cordoba is the Mosque Cathaderal.
Once Upon a Time in Kyoto
08 Sun Mar 2020
Posted in Uncategorized
≈ Comments Off on Once Upon a Time in Kyoto
View of the Kyoto Station from ibis————————————————
Following are some photos inside the Nijõ Castle
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Following are some photos in Gion
Sevilla, España, 2019
05 Tue Nov 2019
Posted in from the lab
From Photography to Art Part 1
04 Mon Nov 2019
Posted in from the lab
≈ Comments Off on From Photography to Art Part 1
I Have This to Say to Air Asia
25 Sun Feb 2018
Posted in from the deck, from the lab
The first time I flew with Air Asia was in early 2000 for a quick holidays in Seam Reap, Cambodia. There were many empty seats.
Since then, it went on many years before I flew with Air Asia again. I vaguely remember the reason I chose not to fly with Air Asia.
Perhaps the first flight after my long “avoidance” from flying with Air Asia was when I flew to Busan, South Korea in 2012. Of course, the fare was the cheapest then, both to Busan and Seoul. Even made my sister join me in Seoul before flying to Jeju-do and returning to Kuala Lumpur via Busan. Since then, perhaps 90% of my flights in and out of South Korea had been with Air Asia. Yes, since then, I visit South Korea on a frequent basis that colleagues and bosses regarded it as my hometown. Well, perhaps because I am likely in either Seoul or Busan whenever there are long weekends.
If you recall, I did say, “… the fare was the cheapest then, …” Why? Because nowadays, Air Asia is not always the cheapest airline flying to Seoul. In no way am saying the add ons are hidden charges causing the fare to increase. I agree with Tan Sri Tony on this. You pick and choose the add ons having awareness of the costs. Un-check all the add ons and you will get the “original” price that got you to the Air Asia booking page in the first place, cheapest or not.
Cheap to me is no longer the appropriate description of the fare. Henceforth, I will describe it as reasonable. What is reasonable fare? Well, I believe it means getting the most out of every penny I have paid. I no longer go for the cheapest but for the most reasonable. As a result, often nowadays I fly business class when the fare is between the cheapest Air Asia fare and the fare other airlines have to offer versus each of their very own business class fares. Confused? To put it simply, comparing the fare for KUL-ICN-KUL flights on Air Asia economy class vs KUL-ICN-KUL Malaysia Airlines business class vs KUL-ICN-KUL Air Asia business class resulted in KUL-ICN-KUL Malaysia Airlines business class as most reasonable, I will go with Malaysia Airlines. Generally that is how I decide on which airline to fly especially for my annual holidays in Europe. Still confused? Well, the fare is the one in the middle and it is on business class. If you are flying economy only and have no intention of paying extra, this makes no difference and sense to you. By the way, cheapest Air Asia fare to me means the fare inclusive of baggage allowance of 20 kg and food.
What I want to say is this; Air Asia have since, allowed many people to travel places. Personally I feel this is the case when I travel in and out of South Korea. Most recent “good deed” by Air Asia is the direct flights to Jeju-do. Without which I would have to either fly to Busan or Seoul in order to get to Jeju-do. I visited Jeju-do for the second time last month. Flying in, I had this running through my mind; I feel grateful for Air Asia’s decision to fly direct to Jeju-do! I do not need to spend unnecessary time in other places when I wish to spend all if not most of my time in Jeju-do. Yes, I felt very grateful. So, I have this to say to Air Asia; thank you for flying direct to Jeju-do. From the statistics reported in tourism articles I had read, noting the increase in visitors to Seoul and Busan since Air Asia flies direct to both, Jeju-do will likely experience the same increase, thus increase in economy through tourism. For the past 6 years that I have been visiting South Korea, I have personally seen the increase.
Generally, affordable fares offerred by Air Asia have allowed many people the opportunity to travel places. I do hope it will be more competitive in its pricing as I have noted somewhat uncompetitive fares thus me flying with Malaysia Airlines to Seoul, on business class. You can imagine the fare “discrepancies”. Nevertheless, again, the higher fare here has nothing to do with the add ons as my decision to fly Malaysia Airlines business class have always been after comparing against Air Asia business class fare. That should be logical.
Anyway, thanks to Air Asia I get to enjoy long weekend in Jeju-do and these –
P.S.
1. All photos were taken using my LGV30+
2. This is not a paid review
3. None of my trips mentioned were sponsored by Air Asia.
Booking.com
15 Fri Dec 2017
Posted in Uncategorized
Use Booking.com and get a 10% refund after your stay. New deals every day! Book with this link https://booking.com/s/39_0/zurina69
Busan, Winter 2017, February
19 Sun Feb 2017
Posted in from the deck
Tags
beach, Busan, holidays, LG V20, mountains, night view, photography, South Korea, travel, TripAdvisor, wanderlust, winter
- View of Busan from the Hwangnyeongsan Mountain
- Gumcheon Cultural Village
- View of Gwangandaegyo from Gwangalli Beach
- Skyscrapers view from The Bay, Haeundae
- Beomeosa Temple
- View of Songdo Beach and Songdo Beach Skywalk
- View of Busan from Nurimaru
- View from Nurimaru APEC House
All photos were taken using the LG V20.
Sedona Hotel Mandalay, Myanmar (April 2015)
02 Fri Dec 2016
Posted in from the deck
Getting there –
Our driver initially could not find the hotel. I guess it was so since we arrived late night at the hotel was not clearly visible at night. But in the morning, I noticed how strategic the location is.
Checking in –
It took around 10 to 15 minutes maybe? I can’t be sure since we arrived so late but I estimated the duration noting how we could all still chat while finishing our welcome drinks before we all got our individual room keys. It wasn’t very quick I suppose.
The room –
The bed was just perfect I went straight to dreamland. The room was so quiet although the hotel is located on the main street! Awesome is when you get to wake up to a beautiful scenery like the Royal Palace and the Mandalay Hills from a far.
The bathroom was clean and equipped with the usual complimentary toiletries. The shampoo was particularly nice in comparison to most hotels.
Other features –
I remember the food was good. We had buffet dinner. The selection were aplenty to choose from and the taste was good. The breakfast was comfortable too with again plenty to choose from.
Conclusion –
I didn’t stay anywhere else but unless someone recommend a better hotel with better location (I doubt it), I think I would choose to stay here again.
Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu (April 2015)
21 Mon Nov 2016
Posted in from the deck
It was a business trip. Stayed on the 11th floor where the reception was separated. For higher levels, the reception is on the 10th floor. Had I gone there alone, I would not have expected that I should just go up to the 10th floor to check in. I didn’t notice any signage but I guess knowing that everything had been arranged I paid less attention.
Checking in –
Checking in was quick. Nothing fancy or lacking. Nice part was that the higher floors get to enjoy the perks of a different café / restaurant located on the 10th floor. Gives you that exclusive feel to it. Our breakfast and tea time were there too.
Room –
I love the room. The bed was nice, the pillows were perfect I wished I didn’t have to get out of bed, the bathroom was clean and nice and had this nice drawer containing the usual complimentary toiletries. Just nice …
The location –
The hotel is not too far from the airport. It is also not too far from a shopping mall. From my room I could see the sea, which is nice although I could also see loads of construction works being done. Around the hotel and across the street you can find plenty of eateries. So, generally, location wise was good.
The complaints, if any –
The lobby / lounge, is noticeably somewhat old. There was the sense that it wasn’t kept at its best. The restaurant on the right hand side as you enter was not really that great but it was okay. I didn’t try the lounge café on the left hand side of the hotel but I noticed it was frequently occupied. I guess it is just nice to sit there and unwind since the music was not loud too.
Conclusion –
The bed and everything in it just made me wish I could spend more time there.
P.s. – The Group Director of Marketing Communications responded to the above review on Trip Advisor.
The Pod, Boutique Capsule Hostel, SG
20 Sun Nov 2016
Posted in from the deck
The Pod is not difficult to find. Located opposite Park Royal any taxi driver should be able to get you there without a fuss. It cost me SG20 from Changi International Airport to The Pod. Not sure what the journey would be like if you were to take the bus but the bust stop is right in front of The Pod. MRT station (Bugis) is within walking distance. I travelled through Singapore via the MRT save for the journey from the airport as it was raining.
Check in was a breeze too. The Reception was good. The manager/reception at that time brought us for the tour of the Pod, that started from the lounge and dining areas which are just next to the reception desk to the common bath and vanity area and finally our Pods. We were briefed on the simple rules. The areas look nice and tidy. Can’t help but thought of the coffin when I first saw the Pods. Initially, I felt warm lying in the Pod as I chose the front entry Pod, which means I either change the direction of my sleep position head in feet out vice versa. It was a bit of a struggle to have a good sleep as I could easily hear movements of other occupants, going up and down their Pods (I got the upper Pod). I have stayed at hostels of 12 people per room but my stay was a lot more comfortable than this. I am a light sleeper but I had no problem sleeping comfortably in the other hostel. I suppose next time I should try the side entry to see if it feels as warm as the front entry. I chose the front entry to avoid “disturbances” when people walk by…
There were big luggage backed to the walls as the drawers underneath the Pods were enough only to fit cabin sized luggage. At first I did not even notice the nice sofa in the room because of the bags but of course, this is not due to any fault of anyone. Each Pod comes with a bath towel, a drawer and shoes drawer outside the room. The drawers are based on your Pod number. Pod-ers are given complimentary mineral bottled water for every day of stay.
The common areas are spacious enough for a considerably small space. The bathroom was extremely comfortable, one of the parts I love about the Pod. The lounge is comfortable as too the dining area.
As accommodation in Singapore is known to be on the higher side, it is an option that most travellers cannot resist. The fact that coffee is free flow made me said to my friend that we have no reason to hang out at a café. It would be brilliant if there is a balcony but not having it is not a minus point.
All in all I think it is not that bad. In Malaysia, the place we hang out often are referred to as the “port”. As such, the Pod can be the port too 😉
Making a comeback… Hopefully a better return and frequency
20 Sun Nov 2016
Posted in Uncategorized
I will start sharing my travel experiences from 2015 to the most recent, as much as possible. For those in 2015, I cannot guarantee you will have the same experiences. Then again, from my personal experience, 1 year does not bring about much change.
So, let’s begin our next journey around the world with #gina on #ginatravels #globetrotting the world one at a time.
Orchard Parade Hotel
01 Fri Apr 2016
Posted in Uncategorized
Checking in –
The checking in process was smooth and quick. Greeted by a warm friendly staff.
The room –
Was big and comfortable. The best was very very comfortable. Love them pillows! The room lights initially did not work. Only the table lamps were working. I suppose due to the upgrading works but the lights were okay after about a few hours. The bathroom was okay but I can hear very very clearly when the toilet in the room right above me was flushed! The toiletries were minimal. Shampoo, body wash but hair conditioner was missing. Even the following days and I therefore assumed conditioner is not part of the items available.
The breakfast –
SG20 if you pay at check in. SG30 if you pay in the morning at breakfast. I was rather disappointed with the spread or rather lack of it. The omelette was disappointing too. I was there at around 9 and the restaurant was basically full.
I ordered the Teochew fried rice and it was excellent.
Location –
Is excellent! So many eateries and shopping malls. There is a MRT station within 6 minutes walk or so. Taxis are plenty.
Bonus items –
Surprise surprise. There is this mobile device called Handy available for use for free! I do not know whether it is available for all types of rooms but I would assume no. Free wifi in the room, although a little unstable.
I would not mind at all coming back here.
gina's deck & lab 