Just something I captured during coffee break in Edinburgh
Nonsense …
01 Thu Feb 2024
Posted from the deck
in01 Thu Feb 2024
Posted from the deck
inJust something I captured during coffee break in Edinburgh
07 Sun Jan 2024
Posted from the deck
inIf 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.
02 Tue Jan 2024
Posted from the deck
inTags
#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.
03 Sun Jan 2021
Posted from the deck, from the lab
inWhile 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.
21 Mon Sep 2020
Posted from the deck
inYear 2020 has been on hyperlapse and it has been bumpy …
27 Wed May 2020
Posted from the deck
inA 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.
25 Sun Feb 2018
Posted from the deck, from the lab
inThe 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.
19 Sun Feb 2017
Posted from the deck
inTags
beach, Busan, holidays, LG V20, mountains, night view, photography, South Korea, travel, TripAdvisor, wanderlust, winter
All photos were taken using the LG V20.
02 Fri Dec 2016
Posted from the deck
in​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.
21 Mon Nov 2016
Posted from the deck
in​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.
20 Sun Nov 2016
Posted from the deck
in​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 😉
26 Sat Mar 2016
Posted from the deck
inTags
Amsterdam, Budapest, France, gina, Hungary, Netherlands, Paris, Singapore, TripAdvisor, wonderlust
10 Thu Sep 2015
Posted from the deck
inRight, this post has specific targets and you know who you are. If you don’t think this post is addressed to you, I suggest you take it as a reminder 😉
Here goes nothing.
If you are –
(1) someone who is not one to ask how your friends are doing
(2) someone who is not one to organise a get together with your friends
(3) someone who attend once or twice out of 5 get together arranged by other friends
THEN YOU –
(1) are not a friend indeed
(2) are a selfish prick
(3) have no right whatsoever to say a friend should not be selfish.
I keep my list of friends in check and revise them when applicable. Quite a few have lost their positions in the list. We all have the rights to choose our friends. I choose to keep the real ones and discard the fakes. Life should be simple. Keep what’s good. Leave what’s bad.
That’s it for now. Remember, friendship is also a type of relationship that requires efforts. Don’t expect efforts from a friend when you have not put any or even attempted.
Roses for my friends who survived another year in the list 😉
07 Sun Dec 2014
Posted from the deck
inIntroduction; The Decision Made
Well yes, I have finally decided not only to write, but to make my post public. This is my truth about my love, to be accurate, how I love, my definition of love and my expectations of it. But before I go any further, I’ll be writing about it exclusive of “family – related love”. My love for those I consider my family needs no explanation.
My Definition of Love
To me, love is when you make me smile when am hurting quietly. Love is when you take me out, even for a few moments, of the pains am suffering without telling. Love is when you know am keeping it all inside because I have no courage to say them, either of my love, hurt, pain and everything I feel. Love is when you just know how I feel even when I said nothing. Love is when you believe that your love will open my heart to love you back because you know love is something I need to learn (from you).
The other important part is that I do not relate love to trust and trust to love. I can love without having to put my trust in you. Trust is not an issue as it is not something that I give away (to anyone).
How I Love
I love quietly. I love conditionally. I love with reservations. I love with limitations. I love without confidence. Until the day I love expressively, unconditionally, without reservations and with confidence.
I love quietly because I believe that action speaks louder than words. I love conditionally because I believe it cannot be unconditional. I cannot continue to love someone who uses me, lie to and cheat me. Loving someone unconditionally means loving him/her regardless of the lies and the cheats. That is not possible for me. I love with reservations because I believe only I can love myself more than anyone can. I will doubt my feelings for you rather than I doubt your feelings for me. I will love without confidence because I cannot be sure that I will love you as much as I should, as much as you do (love me) and that can be unfair to you. But I do hope that one day, because of your love, I would be able to love expressively and tell you how much I love you, unconditionally, without reservations and with confidence.
My Expectations of Love
Well, I do not really have much expectations nor clue of what I should expect. I fear that if I ever expect anything, I will only be let down. The least you expect from people, the least hurt you feel. Yes, am a strong believer of that. This point here, is where I have nothing but that, to say. So then, we move along to the next point.
The Conclusion
You may likely say, “All these are just focused on “you”, “what you think”, “how you feel” but nothing about what the other person think and feel. Rather selfish, self centered and unrealistic. Well guess what, I may not be an expert in love but anyone in love will tell you this, “It should be about her/him”, “I should know all that to love her/him”, “That is how I should love her/him”, because what matters when you love, is the person you love. You, come second. I would do the same. As I mentioned, the person’s love should teach me how to love him back. So, if you feel so reading this, you definitely are not the one who will teach me to love, who will teach me to love the way I should.
Anyway, I have been told that I have a wall put up around me so thick and high that the wall was visible. They decided to give up and let the wall stay as it is. Friends think that am too picky and that I work too much. The reasons why I have been single most of the time. Some just do not believe that am single. Well, what can I say. I suppose they are all correct in one way or the other. The wall is there to protect me. Being picky is not something that is bad when you talk about relationships. For those who refuse to believe that am single, am flattered because you thought it is just impossible and unbelievable hahaha … Believe what you wish. Think what you want. This is My Truth About My Love. 😉
23 Wed Jul 2014
Posted from the deck
inTags
03 Thu Jul 2014
Posted from the deck
inThis conversation transpired between three colleagues one of whom is yours truly. Here goes.
X : Was A angry at B yesterday because B drank in front of A?
Z : Why would A be angry?
Y : Yeah, why? Why can’t B drink in front of A?
X : Because A is fasting … Wouldn’t you be angry if we drink in front of you? (Addressing Z)
Z : Why would I be angry? I have no right to be angry nor have I right to demand for you to not drink or eat in front of me. Question then is whether you want to be respectful to those who are fasting.
Y : Yeah, why would they be offended if you drink and eat in front of them? You are not fasting.
Z : Exactly. I cannot speak for everyone but I don’t think we have any right to be angry or insist people not to do that. I personally think so. It’s just a matter of respect.
So, the above actually took place in this world I live in with people who live long enough to know without the need for me to explain. Nevertheless, some do not really bother to understand and regardless of the number of years they have been around. It is however, sad. The misunderstanding, misconceptions that are happening simply because of ignorance. Lack of interest to actually understand but jumping to conclusions and making assumptions without even being bothered to understand.
Malaysia is one of the most multiracial countries in the world. People should, without the need to be asked nor coerced into learning about each others do and don’t, be sensitive to each others needs and level of sensitivity. On the other hand, one should not be over sensitive of what others do. To me, one will not get offended if the other shows courtesy and respect and one must not demand too much out of it.
In front of me, you can eat and drink all you want even when I am fasting. I will just take it that you are hungry beyond famish and lack respect and courtesy. Really, go ahead.
Ramadan Mubarak to those fasting and to those who don’t, choose to be respectful. Choose to be courteous. Everyone should choose to live in harmony.
22 Sun Jun 2014
Posted from the deck
inTags
For those travelling to Kuala Lumpur or currently here and planning on where to eat, shop and entertain yourselves, check out the famous KLCC, adjacent to the Twin Towers.
My review, a simple concise one can be found here -》TripAdvisor-KLCC-Gina
15 Sun Jun 2014
Posted from the deck
inTags
In my previous post, I did say I will write on my trips, places I had been to and reviewed for TripAdvisor.
I have decided to write about Busan as I can still feel how much I loved it there. The feelings that are attached to the memories are still rather strong. I do not just remember loving it there, I can still feel it in my heart. Thus far, of all the places I had been to, Busan attracted me the most. Perhaps the attraction spawned from my liking of Korean dramas and that I learnt basic Korean language. Perhaps it was all because of the amount of love I have for … keep guessing, some of you may just get it right 🙂
Before my trip, I browsed through suggestions by TripAdvisor and Korea Tourism Organisation websites for places I should visit. Since I was travelling alone, information readily available from these two websites were really useful. My advise, be prepared before travelling. Yes, spontaneity is fun but a certain level of preparation will be good. I do not plan a day by day itinerary for my trips but I would have a list of places of interest I wish to visit and the list has the tendency and flexibility to change when I get to the destination. There should be a balance between spontaneity and proper planning and we call it flexibility.
So, now, to Busan. It is a modern city big enough that it can take an hour travelling via the subways from one side to the other side of Busan. Imagine how much you can choose from, to see, to experience. Some of the places of interest I visited include the Yongdusan Park, where the Busan Tower is located, BIFF Square, Gwangbokro Street, Busan Modern History Museum, which I lost track of time at, Haeundae Beach and its surrounding area. My reviews can be found here -》TripAdvisor-Gina-Busan There are about 20 reviews of different things.
For the feast for your eyes, here are some photographs I took.
The Busan Tower at Yongdusan Park
The view from the observation deck of the Busan Tower
Haeundae Beach
Gwangan Bridge
06 Fri Jun 2014
Posted from the deck
inTags
Who has not heard of TripAdvisor? No? I do not know what to say to that …
I have tried a number of similar sources of travel assistance and I always go back to TripAdvisor. The most reliable, in my opinion, thus far. Granted, nothing is perfect. It has it flaws but this is where contribution from the members are important. For example, I stayed at a lodge which was not listed on TripAdvisor but recommended by Booking.com. It was located at a very if not the most strategic location, surrounded by the places of interest, mostly if not all, within walking distance (I tend to walk a lot when travelling alone). Being a reliable source of information that it is, it quickly adopted advice and recommendations made by its members. As a Senior Contributor and selected Asia-Pacific Insighter, it was not difficult to recommend to TripAdvisor to include new “items”. Now, the lodge that I stayed for almost a week for is in the list.
Anyhow, the introduction above is meant to thank Trip Advisor for all the assistance they have provided and the honour of selecting me as the Asia-Pacific Insigther. In that honour too, I was recently congratulated by TripAdvisor for being the top 3% reviewer in Kuala Lumpur. I would say that although it is not perfect (as most things are), it is by far one of the most reliable sources of travel information. In this honour, I have decided to do a weekly post on the places (be it eateries or attractions) that I have reviewed. Follow the link if you wish to visit TripAdvisor -> Â http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/
Until then, have a good weekend.
17 Thu Apr 2014
Posted from the deck
in
Some of the things I say when applicable –
(1) Who I am today, is thanks to who I was yesterday. Who I will be tomorrow is not who I am today
(2) The tears that fell, unheard and unseen by others, usually came from a deep place, deep sadness, deep regret, deep emotion
(3) I can smile so bright it takes you out of your pain, but that bright smile may not necessarily take my pain away
(4) When you have no choice but to go on, you have no choice but to go on
(5) A hopeless may hope less. Hoping less does not make a hopeless
(6) If some pictures can say a thousand words, a smile can hide a thousand pain
(7)Â A bright sun does not always mean hot weather as a day without sunlight does not always mean cold weather
(8) Actions may speak louder than words and words may carry no weight but action means nothing if what others hoped for are words
(9) Before you decide to fake it till you make it, answer yourself honestly, when you have made it, is it real or is it fake?
(10) I can never be you as you can never be me but the least we can do is put ourselves in each other’s shoes
(11) The answer to “How are you?” is usually “I am fine” because I am fine but not great and because if I say “I feel great/wonderful” or “Fantastic”, you will either hate me or assume am in denial
(12) Just because am not perfect for you does not mean am not perfect to another