tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66960607839108031612024-03-13T16:21:03.642+00:00Spoonful of Sugarctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-15936945775680602242020-01-09T16:25:00.004+00:002020-01-09T16:25:52.249+00:00My Youtube Channel!<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">I have been updating all of my trips and experiences on Youtube, and have completely overseen this blog!! My apologies to all of you!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Please head to my youtube channel if you're interested with finding hidden gems in London and Malaysia!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51YpUjvIv2OHNaOkK-590g" target="_blank">Youtube Siti Aminah</a><div>
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I will also be posting my travel videos there from time to time. I do hope I could keep up in maintaining both this blog and my channel. Fingers crossed. </div>
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Thank you for reading my rants over the years!</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-44285782346261310932019-09-22T04:04:00.000+01:002019-09-22T04:05:44.926+01:00Kidzania London<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">It's been so long!!! Thank you for still reading my blog! haha</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I have a good one to share with you guys. I went to a place where no adults have been before (expect for parents and staff, of course). It's Kidzania!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I came across the event online and instantly booked the tickets. I didn't even think twice. The event was exclusive for adults only and starts from 7.30pm to 12 midnight. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Of course, wanting to experience everything, I didn't manage to capture it all. But you can check it out here in my youtube channel. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-49987829093376019862018-03-26T14:05:00.001+01:002020-05-19T05:18:37.656+01:00The Big Storm at the Big Apple<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I know I've been so quiet lately, but I just have to write about this. I had an opportunity to go to the Big Apple for the second time this month. It was actually the trip of the year for me and my bestie because we went to explore quite a lot of places there in the States. If I have the time, I'll share about the trip (I haven't even finish writing about the first one!!). In the mean time, I want to tell y'all what happened to us when we were there. </div>
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New York was our last destination before we went back to London. Our flight was scheduled to be on the 21st of March, at noon. So there were already many places that we've visited and we were ready to go home. Before NYC, we went to Washington. We drove from Washington on the 19th,stayed at Brooklyn for one night, returned the car at JFK, then changed to Pennsylvania Hotel the next day. </div>
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Everything was well planned out, but of course, Allah swt knows best. On the 20th, I received a text from Norwegian airline saying that Storm Toby was coming and it may effect our flight. I was hoping that it won't, but even if it did, at least being delayed will be better than cancelled. We went on with our plan for the day. After a few hours, I received another text saying that our flight was cancelled. </div>
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Not only that, the airline couldn't find us any available hotel rooms because all of them were fully booked. Luckily, before we came here, I accidentally booked an extra day at the hotel. At the time, I was thinking how wasteful it was. Now, I felt it was a blessing in disguise. How we needed the room so much! </div>
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Early morning on the 21st, the storm came. It was bad. Can barely see more than a mile afar. My bestie had a fever, so we had to stay inside the hotel at all times. In my mind, I was worried what we would do if we couldn't get a flight the next day. Where would we stay? We can't afford to stay anywhere in New York. We've already ate our savings by going on this trip. </div>
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On the day before, we tried calling Norwegian airline to book us another flight (they gave free rebooking to all passengers), but we were on hold for more than an hour. So on the 21st, we tried again. They told us to use the live chat instead. So we did. They only managed to book a flight on the 26th!!! Meaning that we have to stay in NYC for another 5 days!!! </div>
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A day in NYC cost about $100 or more per person. This would include lodging and food. So I asked my family to help. My dad was in Hong Kong at the time, but he did try to call his contacts. We contacted my sponsor's staff who was in Washington, if he knew anyone in New York that could help. My mum called her contacts as well. My sister made a posts on Facebook to ask her friends to pray for my well-being. Everyone did everything that they could. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QS5DupuhrD6ZnNB-FCPuwgUh-iE0a8T8Cwg2yIqyiihyphenhyphen58SRqQZyVx_Exj88tY-RsO50HPe3fMFSEE8r06AtXnSdoBpn7oId0AAIVQQOArEwej77NYGBemOH137d-UHwa5bnqTJmyrQ/s1600/Screenshot_2018-03-26-09-04-29-081_com.facebook.katana.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QS5DupuhrD6ZnNB-FCPuwgUh-iE0a8T8Cwg2yIqyiihyphenhyphen58SRqQZyVx_Exj88tY-RsO50HPe3fMFSEE8r06AtXnSdoBpn7oId0AAIVQQOArEwej77NYGBemOH137d-UHwa5bnqTJmyrQ/s640/Screenshot_2018-03-26-09-04-29-081_com.facebook.katana.png" width="360" /></a></div>
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Luckily, a friend of my sister gave a comment saying that her brother works and lives here with his family. On the morning of the 22nd, I've got a few messages from my father's contacts and the brother of my sister's friend as well as Mara staff in Washington. </div>
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The staff in Washington wanted us to go back to Washington to live with them. He gave us contacts of students in New York, but most of them live in a shared building (which we fully understand). So there's no way we could stay with the students. We wanted to go back to Washington since we stayed there before and they were so kind to us. We know staying in NYC will mean having to spend more money. So that was one option. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4dC28U2IABq9PEOerfEQ8G7IhtlSugEpj4O49Sjz3jYMP74Q447Q3s-UDU_lN4I-f9LcpKL4iAXzd11T7nus7QN0zcpGX7AKeogiPLPBUsOq9LOat8v6JtabEQgWkMMWQrmRwMXusOQ/s1600/IMG-20180320-WA0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4dC28U2IABq9PEOerfEQ8G7IhtlSugEpj4O49Sjz3jYMP74Q447Q3s-UDU_lN4I-f9LcpKL4iAXzd11T7nus7QN0zcpGX7AKeogiPLPBUsOq9LOat8v6JtabEQgWkMMWQrmRwMXusOQ/s640/IMG-20180320-WA0028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My dad's friend was actually on holiday in Switzerland, so he called his staff in NYC to help. I understand fully that most of the staff here live in a small apartment. It's the same in London. So we understood that they couldn't take us in too. Especially when there's two of us. But they did call to check up on us. </div>
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The brother of my sister's friend, En. Azmir offered his home to us. He works in the permanent mission from Malaysia to the United Nations and he lives with his wife and three children in Queens. At first, we were reluctant, but then we thought, staying in New York does mean that we don't need to travel to go to the airport since our flight was from JFK. </div>
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After we decided to stay with En. Azmir, we called everyone that contacted us before to inform them. We called En. Azmir and he asked us to meet him at his office, since currently there's no one at his house. So, we walked to the Malaysian embassy from the hotel. It took about 30-45 minutes walk. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg386YtbkYBx1EIUU2w_-GgoLyj1Hy70EWxocoj62vhBLr7v2CtiI-GMxlxtM5UWkoiBWeFfqZn3dQjrQLXuUVKC1mNYoxJ88GwdTVeYYr9fZnXWM2ahaAl5Fw4BEvUnSFiki5u65a2jko/s1600/IMG_20180322_115953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg386YtbkYBx1EIUU2w_-GgoLyj1Hy70EWxocoj62vhBLr7v2CtiI-GMxlxtM5UWkoiBWeFfqZn3dQjrQLXuUVKC1mNYoxJ88GwdTVeYYr9fZnXWM2ahaAl5Fw4BEvUnSFiki5u65a2jko/s640/IMG_20180322_115953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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En. Azmir and his wife, Kak Jaja invited us warmly to their home. They were very kind and generous. We were very comfy and well fed. Their children were adorable! We were extremely grateful for their generosity. Alhamdulillah, only Allah swt can repay their kindness towards us. </div>
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We came home with almost 0 money in our accounts, but alhamdulillah, we are still healthy and safe. A lot of people said that we were lucky to be spending more time here. Maybe they don't understand the hardships that we had to go through. That's ok. All that matters were; we have people that love and care for us, and that we are happy. </div>
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We are ever so grateful to the people that helped us when we needed it. En. Azmir and his family, En. Lassim and his family (MARA attaché in Washington), Dato' Shahrul, En. Tham and En. Khalid (Consulate General of Malaysia in New York City). May Allah swt reward your kindness in abundance in this life and hereafter. </div>
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Until next time..<br />
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If you want some travel guide on New York City, click here <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sitiaminah88-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=178657067X&asins=178657067X&linkId=106e71eae6c1726f8941e2e46a277f3f&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-87687964105990292822017-08-04T02:43:00.001+01:002017-08-04T03:06:37.164+01:00Big Apple-post conference 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Related links: NYC Day <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/the-big-apple-day-1.html" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-big-apple-day-2.html" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-big-apple-cold-spring-harbor-lab.html" target="_blank">Cold Spring Harbor Lab</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">Since I compiled my conference into one <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/the-big-apple-cold-spring-harbor-lab.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I don't even remember which day to start again as my excursion in NYC continues...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">The conference finished around 2pm. There's a shuttle that took us to the train station in Syosset, where they picked us up before. I stayed in Manhattan for 4 days, so I booked the cheapest and most convenient hotel I could find. I don't want to stay anywhere dodgy since I was by myself. You do hear things about New York, and after a lot of crime series and movies influences of the place, I want someplace I can feel safe. </span></span></div>
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I found this place from booking.com. It's called Pod51 Hotel. The Pods have many hotels around Manhattan. This one is called Pod51 because it's located at the 51st Street. Even if I said it's the cheapest, it still costs me £500+ to stay here for 4 nights. I talked to a few people from NYU at the conference and they said it is cheap, considering the hotel prices in NYC usually are much higher than that. </div>
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The hotel is suitable for singletons like myself because the toilet is separated. I'm not much of a fuss. I would rather have a shared bathroom than having to pay a 100 quid more per night. Thankfully, the bathroom is very clean. There's four bathroom per floor, which has around 8 rooms. Luckily they put me in a room located at the end of the hall. There weren't many rooms occupied at the time, so it's kind of like I'm having the bathroom for myself. </div>
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Only on the last few nights there were some other people using the same bathroom. It was still clean, nevertheless. Towels, soap, shampoo, hairdryer were all provided. There's also a sink inside the room for people who does not wish to shower. You know who you are. =P</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Previously from the Grand Hyatt Hotel, I walked with my big luggage to the Penn Station, which is about 10 blocks. That didn't seem far for me back then. The Grand Hyatt hotel is at the 42nd Street, the Penn Station is at the 38th street and the Pod51 is at the 51st street. So I thought, 42nd and 51st can't be that far, so it shouldn't be so hard for me to walk. Oh how wrong I am. Don't underestimate the distance when you see in the map. It might look as if it is near due to the big buildings. One block can take you a few minutes to walk. So imagine if I had to walk 15 blocks. Yes sir...it took me more than half an hour to get to the hotel from Penn Station, when there's actually a direct train that I could've taken from the station to the hotel. Genius!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It was a workout all right. A whole month worth.</span></div>
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Although I was tired from all that walking and pushing the 30kg bag around, that didn't stop me from quickly going back to sightseeing. Not a second to lose. For the 4 days of my time here, I bought a 7-day travelcard using the metro card (kind of like Oyster Cards in London) costing $33 for the fare+metrocard. You can buy this at any subway station or selected shops. </div>
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3 blocks from my hotel, between the 5th and Park Ave. is the St. Patrick's Cathedral. One of the biggest and most beautiful built cathedral in Manhattan. </div>
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In front of it, I'm sure some of you might already guess just by looking at it, is the Rockefeller Center. There's some pretty interesting history about this building, which I'm not going to tell here. </div>
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This place is also featured in a lot of movies/TV series. If you go to the top of this building, which is called the Top of the rock, you can see a gorgeous view of NYC skyline and the central park because its location is at the center. The cost is $32 to go up there.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pdfNJcJrqXe79mcG6Z8fgRusgvWZLyAb8vBMb078m4_HY9Ud0uhjrEfi0x56EvB_qTnM00G3AMN2FM4Dzit4Zc4PVbKVG1xPDy7p9OyLmtpXhyYpI9lobi4i0nEj-GQfSomFKKBVhoc/s640/IMG20170506155718.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Next to it is the Victoria Secret store. Avert your eyes gentlemen...</div>
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Next to the Rockefeller Center, between the 50th and 51st street is the Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes. If you ever get the chance, try and catch a show. It is one of the city's landmark.</div>
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Two blocks away from it, at the corner of 53rd street and 6th ave is the Halal Guys. This is one of the genuine Halal food vendors in NYC. If you walk around, you can actually see a lot of food trucks saying halal and such, but not all of them are genuine. Some of them are sold by Muslims, but a friend told me that some of them get their meat from the same source as the non-halal ones. So be careful. These Halal Guys have stores all over the states now. There's always a queue here, but for me, the food is less than ordinary. I thought Americans know good food. Such a shame.</div>
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A few minutes towards the north at the corner of 55th Street and 6th Avenue, you'll find this iconic LOVE sign. </div>
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Then, I made my way towards the 5th Avenue. If your geography is good and if you noticed the NYPD barriers there, you'll know what's nearby</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbR0V0oI63Oz5abzLidv_pO6E9o5T3tjTbo0BpohQtUMc5zvR2173zOX2tQVUkhegeizBYgz9qpQZeag-Y5p7DxTq-eZ6Lx-OB2_oLWpEqMoxp38rrFltTrTLx_EJ-hlNuNSCpvIAQww/s640/IMG20170506161729.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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It is the Trump Tower. Since Trump elected as the President of America, this place has become and iconic landmark. A LOT of tourists come here, they even had to put multiple barriers around it. I guess for safety as well, because you know...even Americans don't like him. Kind of like that other leader I know.</div>
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I don't know whether you can go in or not, I'm not interested to get along with those crowd and I couldn't care less.</div>
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My interest is this. The high line. I took a bus to get here, just to try riding the bus.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFCUAee0vhutq2yertJsrCBgWT4Qo8SGroOXEJYxu_enNsIEV2k5kr5SrAh5s81d9E9PRGWyvBsBA7gc9HDJuqkvPE8xqVF1ODn1-ScPsC7RRbqkrBAd4Ch6vVlO5g6W_V2cxu7HniSI/s640/IMG20170506170829.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Nice view ain't it?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0umdTTupUMN-Sf-PCcZ3AKKq1WtsrfpoIyQPx3SG0zjLapC-kuO9P7qOPoGXSbnr4GI3DSYygUAD_AFttbgJ5a-mx6PQ2WONQSqWpmvwJl_oCvCmp-KqXDG8smgpm_q-35gX5WoyzYSg/s640/IMG20170506170837.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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What is so interesting about this place?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pPhEg6jdBM2PNF8IGWc36BHIDmdijuyIKi97k7-5vgdT2H0K0HE2LnuYpxAPKe1PJ9Wo-1mojCYmOCV73AoqxTd9MSo67J8YBlKGC5kw5znSUuNckq_aXQPP9wM5R4vvJPuqEQGFbvo/s640/IMG20170506171202.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The High Line is actually a park that was built on a disused railroad that was called the West Side Line. </div>
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It is 1.45 mile long (about 2.33 km) of gorgeous park that is very peaceful and calm.</div>
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You can see the tracks a lot clearer in these pictures</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFVtjW9uUA9XSlhgeMKBHa5SiosHNZSUIPxnWQvHx3cq_v8ZruLOK9TL6aqv8YlOhuwcw7BpBmaAoT7fHjqRlTQbvlp5YKO1nwYRXsBYfRHOaHGbKdCJU36lsm90SzgEWHn8uW-gXDyU/s400/IMG20170506171718.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0xamgZyytn8u58vsnOjIoteBpyDdAeEl1vZ65t7xvPyg3By4QK_ktrJjsHr_H73rlj5nOTF3fsRxSFEkmMQeQg9mAJQi9_P14Hf8TYOMFxGcpKqhlZEaZQdv9OQ4uh6OLer2yWt1lYc/s400/IMG20170506171723.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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As my bestie has been in the states twice before, she told me to find this Blue Bottle coffee that she tried when she was in San Francisco.</div>
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I tried...and it was ok. </div>
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I felt sad for the $3 I had to use for this tough. Everything need to be calculated precisely the whole time I was in NYC, as everything I felt was very expensive.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m8lQnycpNeX43jraKcuMlI8ZBraZ2aElhclCR0T4AfedcK0rU0XVsxhyphenhyphenrQ7xaGfhTh1nB0FUN8NGMBmXxjmZ4oG-07H7h6sAoIb2FrAj5o-QGzppP7gQZ7NYwHm8BbyW3FBfMpPVRuc/s640/IMG20170506173320.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This view got me feeling a whole lot better. haha</div>
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Beneath the bridge, there's the Chelsea market.</div>
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Chelsea market is like an urban type market such as the Camden Market in London.</div>
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This place used to be a baking factory of National Biscuit Company (NABISCO) where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFs9ZRWM01t47WQIkORdS3GAORO7lhXs0COnb5ZR85_3cj_vFPpIYAZ8wG5f0dkh0o3iDiMGQN73rzzbeyyiocAog5Ibq_tj7w78qCh3HYB1R_W_xxUtycQ_yWzX3TB87sdnB-h4MU1w/s640/IMG20170506174247.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Now, it is a food hall where you can find various choices of food, even international ones.</div>
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On this particular day, because I know I only have half a day to venture around the city, I decided to go only to the iconic places. One of the must see places is the place from a legendary sitcom that I watch and re-watch countless times.</div>
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So no one told you life was gonna be this way....lalala</div>
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That's right...it's the Friends apartment building. You know in the sitcom, Ross refers to this place as the village. In fact, this place truly is called the Village in real life.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mI62fsxM4ubSm8XFrWCQgaqs8P66R6IUeNIivmQ0IM2Ev7ygWPGKu3a2ATZLx5WcpPWolwifuTwdlaaDVMLJfo-4vrJ-UkbaoX3JtBwNXO47MWWlwdAyYO_sVAd88D2BuxtBydUWr6g/s640/IMG20170506181930.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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That cafe down there is not Central Perk, obviously because any Friends fan would know that it doesn't exists since they shot that at a built set in a studio. But you can actually find a remake one in Singapore. No joke.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06Dpzk4dq1oGfyQj4Fr-HW0TMgSB9vnoZJe0SO8NlEG5wjsGe_tJacbw9NmwB-61tt3V3t3OaLzxJhvT1FS2gvY7JBGaHSuk6lC88KhPGkKktjUt8aHI-V1O7XQKxFwr935d-UwNqew4/s640/IMG20170506183009.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Getting on the movie/TV series trail, it's time to go see another filming site. So I took a subway...</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAGNL6VBlKlsciFOkjfR8g5x0ujodhkHSQxg367doIYXIUTKo0B_fBUVFcLZAe1dfo8JgJ8I4fcyPVxF9UDPdDf9Oh0mg4JEJ9hGSZkOFWaTgxaiG47uUhQOTof6aPIYr-4THU1XrZ60/s640/IMG20170506183113.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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A must have photo of the subway station. One journey subway here costs $3, but there's no limit to where you can go. You can ride the subway from the beginning until the end for that same price. But if you know you'll ride multiple times, it's worth to buy the unlimited rides (monthly or weekly travel).</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMr2XyYQNk6_jOWeu9fNuHbcHpWr96Nt8i6fCNcegrZuECdzqEqJfqDatAV0tTGvbvBGyStEdxdgItlLTQfQ2Io_uENkHa3xfGlMVs6nRVbZzQ4-CEAm_PK_SG7JKwjb1Ke0RLI6MnJM/s640/IMG20170506183236.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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You know there's a lot of reference saying that New Yorkers won't care what you do, what you wear. They will still notice if I take a picture with my phone though. haha..or maybe they were just watching me 'coz I look like a school kid wearing a hijab. I stand out no matter what.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBUz8nRhjlts6PWnY21xgpE_mqxRuWQAvTegPolrHcneA4W5lo7IrmzOaSS_ruMNLCxjMtdic5mAS-G4aNj-KYkF3UOpfcSeUer4COGnvMlJwht4JIIB-kjidQOn-Ic8IbQeEJxdYQ4E/s640/IMG20170506183757.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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So this is the other spot that was featured in a legendary movie of not one, but a franchise. Still don't recognize it?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="946" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ML5DFsBno-s6sqMxDiL5Dx3MWJeTVYh_bDypW7h2XeEe01rcw2fw_QK4HD5OCwHUsCVidxuDLkzLKRcbBCyC0ru1C9onEL-0ComNyDDIeBqi_q_JPNp425esQJ6dDynYx1R8kQeaBn8/s640/IMG20170506183804-horz.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Well, of course. It's undergoing renovation for three years, and lucky me, it was in the year I came here. This is the firehouse used in the Ghostbusters film franchise.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGPPALKYMyhOhjOlMmn4aEGILO4oBGQgtM_h2YG1ChRcmt8jEfdzUoE_WZX5b4GvD6TU0F0gkomP0vBZCqOt9kkNUXuFqYeDDyfG-vLcd4ADMjOl2u4mMxhcx2qDrD4MIMKlFk1x9H48/s640/IMG20170506183838.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Couldn't get the whole building? The front door would be fine for now...</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSZFSplROYfpBivnUQJly7ENwUkyAIABMQgG-uVlPX9IZfDozTGaujRbbqxDmkqMEx3keRtOouMDzTG1k6sHfKKkWotNWpLHuA2AQmhkwctYyY7fZ_xV_8rr1IV3DE4gleFeLEWEIq38/s640/IMG20170506183952.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I did manage to get this awesome building though. The architect that designed this must have quite the imagination. I bet it's not Ted Mosby.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gIEa4JIZhLf3V5LZ17pTces487Sf8vWpznBBGwiMZAwjKJ1XrPw0QxtockRT0RsjCgeux79anWnFZggkoggvaZcSvHBJT9Aj-XYsAnJHpKMDFtvYpYXt18O0vEbH9p-pyU6FGj-Ja0M/s640/IMG20170506190059.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Last but not least, the most anticipated place of mine...</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92zPI5zSoM7QE_jXyKnMBdH76sP3LSrnCUwtxfRaKnbYpJGigbIS1Ua5Vay7OJWcdQ3-EbDsB__TWvooL-boKz9gmxkiF9eYZ6hDoPTh5OTB9e_iitWR9NE9pq9PE6DpWq5ymzA4RLY8/s640/IMG20170506190222.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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It's the Lady Liberty. I didn't buy the tickets to actually go to Liberty Island because I didn't buy the tickets to enter or go up to the crown. So I thought it won't be worth it just to go and take pictures from the outside. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLG5IXC5QVL3_Anjxx8JXtmyny6MH51GbAJ3lZrHTG7tKqCozYQF6q5BkCyazLVEDKfDUDcXm_AtzfNhne9ZsURaem_KeBKT38mbQH_e71SZGbuumMjOHdK5dTDKPgySX92C2DeYzGK9o/s640/IMG20170506190635.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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So, I just took a free ferry ride to Staten Island. You can take the number 1 subway to South Ferry Station (the last stop) and take the ferry. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCihNVuBAlPOrS2toIwBCkuRz74sLFtMs4AoQtzc_PQPMJPRChQpUcqoQouOK3gfC0wV7n_v6jap5eUNeocuyJbVJFbod_AKvHM6Ug_0O_PhtJArih0EDa92dxhqFvBV8oW5A_bQJvOM/s640/IMG20170506191116.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You can see the statue quite clearly. My picture wasn't that good because it was very cloudy that day, so it was quite dark. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5PHzznumaouUuDOYRcOLJOKZCymLkKy8M1kk0DgU0f3Gsi4d8W1epvISrs-oVIIVFIZ3qXTX5LX7X3TFGQYRtyVAnfvQmnPsyDm1pqPZchYG0Prha7G-hrX7y9euF4okjRwRsGNhZoA/s640/IMG20170506194405.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Did you know that the statue wasn't always green? Do you know what made it green? I'll let you know after you guess first.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOHq6ppsj9YvK2k6aVZyC8Vy6i3WnRACIPXLKyLQdRQdBb3oar4En_Wwe57y7oyXRDLOEPLLFCo3ZttGBe5VmAiTOQMkqUzCE3j4DJHkxiKm_pjrQzqA8NuuJUS0duuvEvVXGB7F_iUM/s640/IMG20170506195023.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I wanted to get a night view of New York skyline, but it wasn't dark enough. Oh well, this is more than I expected.</div>
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Before I went back to the hotel, I dropped by Times Square to buy some souvenirs from HRC and to get some sense of the nightlife in the city that never sleeps. This city does have a great energy. I miss it already. I will tell you more about it later.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-82197617991215386002017-07-19T21:45:00.002+01:002017-07-19T21:45:30.260+01:00What's up so far<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">I know you want me to continue with my big apple stories, but before we get to that, let me tell you what has been going on so far. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">1) I have passed my Late Stage Review!!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: merriweather;">This is by far the biggest news. If you don't know about PhD, or specifically PhD at Imperial College London (ICL), we need to go through two different assessment levels. The first one is after 9 months of registration, there's the Early Stage Assessment or some people might call it as PhD upgrade. That is when you need to defend your project, sometimes a proposal, presenting your initial data (if you have any). So the late stage review comes after 18-24 months for ICL students. Here, they will assess your progress, your future work, whether they think you will finish on time. Some people call this transfer. Meaning that if you pass, you'll continue as a PhD candidate. If not, they might either transfer you to MPhil or stop your registration completely. The harsh way of saying it is that you failed. So I passed it last Tuesday, thankfully. After a year and a half of banging my head on the walls, God knows how much hair I've lost, I finally did it!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">Another one from the many..many that have gone home before. It felt a bit more lonely in London nowadays. A lot more have finished their studies and gone home. No new postgraduates anymore. I guess the batch after me will be the last one if things don't change in Malaysia anytime soon. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q9Cr8PIVDJYy_GE_RROh7ZN_kqShP_s6Rf8BucYp321OzWRrzKnOlcdnF6Sr02TysaYz3XygHRW1nVaknwvxunkv4XIXiRGYEu0kddpWOX40rXzwB7yg3SlOkj4eskYHqLdEX4Foau0/s640/IMG20170702161800.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">Because my bestie and I spent our Eid in Lisbon, Portugal this year, we only get to feel the festivities during the Eid festival. This year the festival was sponsored by Lebara. You know how in Malaysia kids will get money packets when they visit, in London, they give you raffles!!! hahaha...I got a selfies stick (awesome!) and my bestie got a mug (boring...=P). But the best part of all, I get to have a selfie with the good Mayor of London, Mr. Sadiq Khan. #pleasebejealous</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8-k9-hnE1nFsjtTuiAF3x1a0eEQpFZAO4ZzdL0y_MXWw4VmpuPnqBXWWNBjTa0QGFo_EhKDiJvnc5de06Qk2-dMJb9untU4AH4wKBK6-EpQQQtunxZHDEKjnL9lciUb6z2Kjil1xQYY/s1600/IMG20170702155435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8-k9-hnE1nFsjtTuiAF3x1a0eEQpFZAO4ZzdL0y_MXWw4VmpuPnqBXWWNBjTa0QGFo_EhKDiJvnc5de06Qk2-dMJb9untU4AH4wKBK6-EpQQQtunxZHDEKjnL9lciUb6z2Kjil1xQYY/s640/IMG20170702155435.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">4) Canada 150th Celebration</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">The day before the Eid festival, there was another festival, which is the Canadian 150th Celebration. My bestie has been in Canada, so I'm a bit jealous of that. Even if I haven't been there, at least I get to taste a lot of their food, such as the maple syrup waffles, cookies and even drink! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">5) Royal Naval College Painted Hall</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">This was the most recent, but I've bought the ticket months before. The painted hall in the Royal Naval College in Greenwich is undergoing restoration (they prefer conservation) work from July to September this year. They haven't done this in 60 years. So while the people doing the work trying to conserve the paintings, they also open tours for people to go up and look at the paintings up close. If you have been to the painted hall before, you'd know that the paintings are from top to bottom. So with this tour, you get a chance to see it up close (if you're tall enough, you can even touch it; but not recommended since the oil from our hand may destroy the paint). They hope this conservation work will last for another 100 years. So if you miss this, just pray you'll live for another 100 years to see it. The Times magazine calls it as <i>a once in a lifetime experience</i>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">The tour costs £11 per person. You need to wear hard hats and reflective vests for safety since it is a working site. You'll go up about 70 steps while the guide tells you stories about the paintings. The painted hall was painted by Sir James Thornhill. You'll be amazed by the accuracy and the detail of the painting. One particular example; there is a painting of a date of an event occurring a year ahead of its time. Meaning that their astronomy at the time was so accurate, they can paint it a year ahead. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vDPCwOahzMKbK7xgGrdKrNac4YBiQ3OFDfZFTWWFblB3bw5DEbnX4vtxAsE7tBQyNCebyrvwjq-aJkP-suMZWtUqaUMa1biG4hRgeZ7nkr38eMzjBKbX8sPl6pe2oJkI7dxSWBOjSQw/s400/IMG20170708115637.jpg" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";" width="300" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0PIhtju2B5hd1moNjEKYNzsomAq-mY3rl4yXKXnoC2rF7KKO3ofrG4x5gutlvXhtxI3JGrZpUkBCNbegfPm_ipgUZZj5SCRFR-RG2ku2ubZAZwNSmoFKAmEU7w5N1UzttmzR-wytWSk/s400/IMG20170708120336.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="300" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">There are a lot more stories behind it, you should go and have a listen and look at the paintings yourselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">It has been an eventful month. But the month has not ended just yet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">Until next time...</span></span></div>
ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-50858386860550091142017-07-06T16:06:00.000+01:002017-07-06T16:06:08.529+01:00The Big Apple-Cold Spring Harbor Lab<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></b> <span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">My first time ever in the states, being in the gorgeous Cold Spring Harbor, it is a surreal feeling. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWqyZhrvnOBJrFvvjfO9FtkVC36aztBJn6qMeOWXpnFqlBl_CYGpJJyw744Bjvuu6rGp69gPFv0HE6yLKyM7WDZttm5mMkPT2foAFl-iARW268nX2dJwQsqgg2vg3WBI6ABO8j4ghyphenhyphenJw/s640/IMG_9246.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">After a somewhat good night sleep, I had to wake up early and get ready for the early morning session.</span></span></div>
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This place sure is beautiful and quiet. But I won't get enough time spent here near my accommodation. I was placed in the worst looking house (I guess that's where they place the PhD students) because of all the other ones that the shuttle went to pickup the others looked more like a mansion.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8f10jOme1G2rWobkStHRfavJsgIyOQFbLd0ACwV2SRwnEBAG85JJ4lkQ439IxrQQ6JYZINWUVuc6AAVJjnrEH1jSuH00GGEKU-RcorwXc4XOju75mTx0HsxXZka7L2jDuxfXeuKBbelS/s640/IMG20170503070553.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The funny thing about the shuttle system here, the first shuttle is at 7.10am and the last shuttle for the morning is at 9 am. Breakfast ends at 8.30am and the session starts at 9 am. After that 9 am shuttle, the next one would be at 12.30pm. So if you miss the 9 am shuttle, you will miss the whole morning session.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3DdPfZLIdfFiOBa98B9l7AFiLQ9CPB9fz_AWvCQdMnQWG8rfijdDArh_i4c7kOXXwK6xvMOEknJW8kDACrDnMMRmJUosp5gXoeghxl0c7jMTY5Q0zkvhb1RVTYcxYOA7-AEQ0fjE4IXi/s640/IMG20170503070049.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Not only that, the afternoon shuttle ends at 7 pm and begin again at 9.30pm. So if you go back to your room to rest, you have to make sure to be back by 7 pm, or you'll miss the whole night session including dinner. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBpkCEO_wWglcr96ckcIxjeXDLxuZZKhzEKy-AbsVtV-9t82iyhhQ4H1XpIHyZqNVP3Cj_GDQO5TGs70_pxafQFZhcJJUA1F46LTLwLQY1FlJh_fUsRLOBjf5_XZZdovgJ8XMSLD_BRKS/s640/IMG20170503070106.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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After you've paid a lot of money to be here, you cannot miss a single session. Plus, it's not just about the money, you would want to learn as much as possible.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcntXk0EfFbG07Ygsq9SPKPSGodHeamwMDW1c6hkE4k23oR-K6rP-9r_dBcezk3H8II_YRrQVCO9WMKlGbijYj00V-nAQ1zLqZ2NZJ1SJfmfMdVrCGhQKTGK64wL5T6DKgv-NIU2DMvRiu/s640/IMG20170503070239.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Being in this beautiful place, walking the same path that Nobel prize winners, laureates, great minds of Sciences did, it gave me motivation.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_IeLS07_vKUcNVS_LSjMJvNN6BDLTey1XmFOtOsxPs9Yzck-tnWP6sQKSaNrCGwClUZ7l5txUexNvhGJdVOhOdvEMQ4eyiQJeeIS3dY64Ofi-cbSwLSzUeRR3hPKOZaj2hUg_aVUY6sZ/s640/IMG20170503073126.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Taking in the amazing view with the fresh sea breeze</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQT9Cudsr4w6b4xRo6pebbmC9y-ggaujKaZBKz6IjBPPH7jhkgUaB2KPTdMyBQTYpTWW4R7MzVh3Jv9O2l5t04zPPgVpBmhuYiVdk_TtlQ_SMeiADbV9tY_SwEP9HUvfAzJ8X6anQtqNN/s640/IMG20170503073815.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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While enjoying a delicious hearty American breakfast.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7n0_FR-lmzVNiBZuAOtK8vSgV7YTTpaXGp-Bps6ZYDS1vai8whFmu51GxZfm6E2UW6X6my7uwmXZYT88f7VWvBPM2TTU_U4_It8-u1Klfs7f1OpXtYhYs-qs4XLWzq1b-Rjk_jeUlfnyQ/s640/IMG20170503082350.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The view was amazing! Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can see a bald eagle because they have a nest here. The bald eagle is the America's national bird. You can see it in their national emblem.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuq2iSjngjZzh13h60OAyc-ZmKbLDyecg54xFKQfnKOjd-Pxkw8RtRSbumRNALZxROy_jYCEaAZtnlyYjUy8DoCbsXWriep2xC2dI1eY_OA9-V5iw7LaVn_qhvade0bac8XNJz85tuBYH/s640/IMG20170503083306.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Who wouldn't want to work here?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt5w-Z9Jp20dGR6KjhGfNIM_4JQFQYUkIgJL4ebEn-RuOVITh3ItKMi0eIjw-vgCq6hdhb2ruyFV5-tp6LpgqDvUFxGotiX4UbUfWTB-eAkqtkILJbOP9jMRlyx5YcXPMc4NGycLoy9Mz/s1600/IMG20170503181917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqt5w-Z9Jp20dGR6KjhGfNIM_4JQFQYUkIgJL4ebEn-RuOVITh3ItKMi0eIjw-vgCq6hdhb2ruyFV5-tp6LpgqDvUFxGotiX4UbUfWTB-eAkqtkILJbOP9jMRlyx5YcXPMc4NGycLoy9Mz/s640/IMG20170503181917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It feels so good to just walk around</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiAjgQUqsUktXQp9Cg8bTn4gqR6gqtm9SGt6l5X5ue5i59xF8YVYls_XAjwDG_f7biqA0QgBS1Pw77ZFfc1STr-9UXV4s7BYKLUSBIgakWk3kbSLYVT9J5tWINnSBO5k5MoR3CHGgrqMK/s640/IMG20170503181927.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Mind you, the conferences here in Cold Spring Harbor is quite intense. No minute was left doing nothing. I could only eat my food (more like inhale them in) as quick as possible so that I can have some time to rest and enjoy this place.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-qzS2cJcDsnhEy5GXjaQm6xyUbgJS-hCLN0SYBSF6OdPBQ4f2-yDDbDHeuBiRcNvhmYEqFDFg-jdUCPoy-67dMwulRr0eHoawK7VhD1y1O6DDAQq2KCcjespwBfC1dECJ2ROBWFcw2Os/s640/IMG20170503182336.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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These buildings here are actually wet labs. They are not homes. huhu..</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc-7X3yDpZjurPYzI4gHPHf02ufhZA4hPfbExBC9kW-MsoGSprAJ_fuj6ifvSg_fhKVw1ubAQsxY7OkymYEh8Wt3g7aY9TJjXFD9hkhfR1QvMzjMWLmfYf8fF4pxUojjjNJJ2XJ-g3LLf/s640/IMG20170503183057.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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It is a home for these cute guys here though..</div>
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This building is the best of all. It looked as if it came from a horror movie.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="780" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBd12iHi0HOaUB0SpKotvaEhj2mFlGZpvO8N-C4LPibzuJZ7gw1uucaNSZIieOXVszNOLf_AIJytLT43DgoA7E3rBSrlrdnYTV3sa-G9yb7HeO6qqRggdt_tjW2NKlenrYdnafFfoobI/s640/AAIMG_9874_pano.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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On one of the afternoon, they held a cheese and wine party in front of it. I only grabbed some cheese and went to the waterfront to enjoy the view and sea breeze.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsHgf2J-bYitPlsBToxPVx9y4vPuxtoUWCxSSM_ePSrMsSdBRIBJ6PoWbG8lAUaQIMAXSUdDipksScMIZr2Rz9j9hSibOfiOuxmOvfHDEBzJAbq3mV61pYRP4CgY4pmTcoKJMUL1SsVbO/s640/IMG20170503184827.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Beautiful stream </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohVCzDAVvi2dZxJmKXzHdeCwqovU728xF-iJLC157E1fn9LTGuA8ekc2EsW52SyvD5GvM0yrIu3-l_u6onv_6BaajvY3UCw8F5d4JdtktK38jPVZvFpSBnMBywrK13UuvF2OBnUOgvPt/s640/IMG20170504075652.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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These blossoms were in front of the mansions I mentioned before. Lucky them.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Cc3FtD2U9UIXjupPgzgd5w9dRnS1tVMM2-zLY8eDoe4qGlzsFfcoU1Koi-6fqdLURz1QNRfgRrL9QiOa5pqoNSxFtPoK5phDA4FEu-bCKvh5m1OHsYeTdM03BNl8jpZdBkwnyfwV44sj/s640/IMG20170504160608.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This was my first opportunity presenting my poster. I couldn't go to the previous conference that I was supposed to go at Orlando, Florida due to visa problems (the problem was the US Visa people decided to screw me over by delaying the process for no good reason). </div>
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In the programme, they arranged if anyone wanted to join a walking tour around the campus. One of the PhD students took us around. The architecture here is quite exquisite. They designed the buildings according to the accomplishments made, or the main research done in it. For example, there's a bell tower shaped like the protein synthase.</div>
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They also arranged a concert on the last night. It was interesting, that's all I can say. </div>
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Try listening to her on youtube. You'll be surprised.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioymT44t37A2zUahjuHLzi_ZyXWzUw3661ISRD6Opw4FRGKjQGUvnkaedioh1Vqq8NmR_W2aReFgaivpB6wPxBL1douvf89MfqJRmrB3q8cECqBBARn-U8_HWEVHfbnm5Tmz2i5YZ1Oi4q/s640/IMG20170505205147.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The best part; lobster dinner!!!</div>
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All in all, I am very grateful to get the opportunity to present my poster here. The people here were very nice and friendly. I made friends, expanded my network and gained a lifetime experience.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfQqDLxq7peHM6IQKPmsonQTmP9m5-894mgfArqw0B5B66IC_B0j_rXt3Ev0ihwiR_3_UtBFcJKHdaEUFSwJ6p2Le4IcAFekMwYLTSRn8mdOr7l_dgUzI26GRyVpNwcyB8pDLdPRogG8/s400/AAIMG_9370_Toru_Nakamura_Carole_Saintome.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOI1olUyTbRrpszxmdcio3_LcZdeQC2U6LRX1gfd8riy4PM82qZI6BgVeg54II9IAF4KhUIGor2kb0rgLjeQ8tAbHeJ4klpAi0xCU_Tk90Q58vWStt6e190sir7blc6c41PGZNdRNQfTM/s400/IMG_9387.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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There were a lot of great suggestions, comments an even a collaboration offer that truly boosted my confidence and gave me the drive to keep moving in this soul sucking journey they call as PhD. May God help me.</div>
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Until next time..</div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></b></div>
ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-61211276527133028222017-07-02T23:55:00.000+01:002017-07-02T23:55:19.866+01:00The Big Apple Day 2<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">How long has it been already? A lot has happened in the past few months. Let us continue with my NYC trip in May. </span></span><br />
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I stayed at Grand Hyatt hotel on the first night before I go the conference in Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Lucky for me, they held a rooftop tour for the Chrysler Building view, which is located beside the hotel on the day I check-out. So I woke up early, packed my bags, went out to get some breakfast at a nearby Pret-A-Manger and waited at the lobby for the tour.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkVoQWXuv5x3FXfpzuTgtpdL-ZJhjuQzlGRgkfEvp7tICVhqNDy90xcE1ssdz7fzJaHncgxF5uxroYqZHgbZrgfNLmIpcp3ZtMwccnkzq3TRcjDFsHa5BYrFmIveuZDqQi_qwQJDMTkWa/s640/IMG20170502092155.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I don't think they held this tour every day. And they didn't start doing this until a couple of years ago.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKfaHAeKMyh_at7uZrtBlkdIlNZxrLxwLGU5Ky9nC_Bjeh5D3Imy7NzF0MrucYJqwOd0YkP-1DAOgcOjJKNA4QLw1mT3OhNhbuYa0Gm7VzLy3sK1LZ2uWQjwWJjb4eKjs5Px18N-zVME0/s640/IMG20170502103123.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This is the stairwell going up to the roof. The door is usually locked so you wouldn't be able to access it on your own.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtIdMzemjlEruHWCAc8RU2lbiHR1SAqayPb7Kc4wQ6aEbimSiDf8lhPAeNnrQBaQ-l9GflUQQyDppd_c7SriMOWzqsbUOk0gtYnY21xkbAsJrOT9RiHqD6R9eo_EzJCi1OGbxRivoKCiG/s640/IMG20170502101024.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Tadaa...one of the iconic structure in NYC. Many people confused this with the Empire State Building. Chrysler Building is easy to distinguish with the Hawks head and the top that were featured in many movies such as Spiderman, Ironman and the Ghostbusters. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZNQt-lIoBFqewu-mohmfkp8RqDIAyB2rW31Ef7ImXRBI8gH3-fDKf_5zcjujY31rvSMvlIZfM2h_BoaXyNt409xoFl_ivjCejAaj_UY44wNmxTbAWGzXNMbu1lNguiT_mggRcagQ4FJc/s400/IMG20170502101453.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7BGs_NmanQDIUl_8TT9WK3MSvNYfH_SOtiDF_chuMyMRyZD_LcGiY_2EGhotH_5H8hqC8-KyBbWMJAgRlBEMviFUgWh1XI0D7JIhmDdSgqKq1WjKf_jxJbvOIg2Imh22VNrZcgDJYV7p/s640/IMG20170502101543.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I took my time at the rooftop since I won't know when I will get another chance.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVSF7zrZOi-TYyzXEqKwCvfmGxYKghRi7nUFJTRsd8PjDVSQtgXazwvjUEQkHA2yCk2FrCyiKNYCSkSF7vcxQx2Wb6JDlJkPWKK5J1lIUa7aPXb7tmpi8mJyk46jKnprDrjfiHG0Cw49g/s640/IMG20170502101801.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The steel and concrete forest. The high rise..so good they name it twice, New York, New York!!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsIZO24JaKr976nniIl2LvuGu1Ih5eGYtBtmmmCSvaSenZds2_V42mC96FOOhzuukE93D7mfBYP6RBA1RfPHrVJN1i_VqpZ8_wd8yrvq_A2l30xa7LSMcBYUdtJPWHQHMI_r3xwnpwAEm/s640/IMG20170502105008.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Right next to the hotel is the all famous Grand Central Station.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTjwN6_ZK18tEZEZptMaaRuIB10qkggDt6wewEfRsj4rIF12Du2z2ETFo8Fvy-Sh5VKeuKBLcbyxnnGSYg8r7-lyGnZ1-jzlJAuTHs4YwBDexBjzje0cy_T3s57QmFNPq3oQjBl9kR0u_/s640/IMG20170502105542.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This station is so big, even the basement takes more than 5 minutes to walk around it. </div>
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There's a walk through that I made using the Ricoh Thetha 360 camera for you to enjoy.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DQO5ciftyCo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQO5ciftyCo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Afterwards, I walk towards the nearest park, which is Bryant Park.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnYUCwhBuKxqcFYZ6HlyDxSL1M01L6O3DIhPUHM7U0ahhb9Jod3gTbXrKnF7aN2tteOs_kkXNCo8EV-H_1q2sBAIGWyaufdZ0Het1GpZCJCkTOjZHVV67fymDhVBdhLPR8MGMO_gB2kOF/s640/IMG20170502112241.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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If you look at videos explaining this place, they will tell you not long ago, this place used to be the place for drug addicts and vagrants. The community turned it around into something so beautiful and perfect for the people to sit and relax. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZl9mUsVBnTbX96v8usQVfo-NCQ7_x1E-oKRsNrL70q99h4pHOS-CZBCgdG0fDSvDDwqhn0AwdNyEg0jpULuM03wH4ubveO4OfIGeXkL7CCRYSzVtRVLlmxJa0zTvdWK4kiiCc2xQ9BgD/s640/IMG20170502112349.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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They have many activities centers around the park such as reading areas.. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBbKXMhzIEBI8t8N4QlKGlyjAJLfuV_t0XYAHgqiOes27FKalJpYLElxQnz9lCnXGeVjIpz7RGmQWwOLVwhJQbT0HEvrXzEi7APANsvPwy7xKiKwah-mDNfwY_ykUkAOdXhggOBuAiNIW/s640/IMG20170502112403.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Table tennis/ping pong</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiNDaTV-uteP9LT5NmNZBk1mDOFDj_ZdhVQR_xNgRbvhcsfoB4V7tNTAcz-ZoVHGJ8tv14prNr8oQ3h5b9kddwGqWCFlL02320wJx4YpKsTpxtEF-EYe1O7YHiBJ0nzkukh7qnKA3D57i/s640/IMG20170502112527.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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A loooooot of seating areas,</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV6CKgsQxR99NO23A8IV7RNMDIRgu6eWgqQKNVxDZhPxTmh-x8G03AxyJ6sJKOiMHtFvgKxpxPMB1V95552jqNevJ5EZsD4Z4fJLe0Vt4jvRpFUnH8SSBLsNSQNS-7zQDQZfEYRVp2PCu/s640/IMG20170502112714.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The purpose of this game is to knock down your opponent's wood on the other side by throwing your stick.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGutppMPDw7C1Cdq5gHl8gLeSsZzPMkX2KJym9uDTE83KEg3oQjUvlRtBWo8a502qUe5-cc7YmUEXDnzaf6Iw3f_cOjSxFjxkOILOG7cmmfMeFfEk7CsxNehfSdDzXd_OulQ5AVTMzXquY/s640/IMG20170502112852.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Board games...</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13F7jVq0kBYjfN1ylHdQta3YKbmEx_PJJXLoJw3wIMKIwGPFNSKXKuKJWvp_kOG28MJ1YL2_HIYoS6OhBr-B-Q6dvLB68IVfhO56knLQ7aONXfaU2xexbU0Si9U8AYaN0GwPGrP7RTvmk/s640/IMG20170502112906.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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an old school carousel..</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbxpKVlN1XM6qwoYaFYnWskV5J0TTBl6sNLGp7vH83vvrikvCrQLFAE2w5HI4xxkAyt-ppuQpc-d_NtYNYd0fmIzu_QqsmNqRpIpuOABTtPJRDOFH-xJ52zJzMgCZjey-A1P63ULhYLob/s640/IMG20170502112645.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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If you can see at the back is NYC public library, which used to be the house of one of the elites; The Astors. So the Bryant Park used to be their yard. When NYC was being developed, they had to move a lot of the mansions around the city that were just as big as this library. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOrcLuu2NoGNmvvYvQK3XQ-j1HzWXJtMZLjuK9-rAmLz0xsrc3ClMMu3l5F067HQaXoF5DJ2bfr86BRtrgJlvaN_V77ygp0sj1J7r7Q7OOe-7GfJA9-GoJekJ1XKRmYexcP7E1L7JN7hU/s640/IMG20170502121524.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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A few meters from the park is..</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe5kVsefXR-s6cpCWTe8oWfhDXWyFpfXnVqhT4vnlrdLn3rzArLKEYGPxx7esRa6wie5DQMinI0F_i7Ft97qD3M2na8K88DHLunWyjXv2R5V9EZvQRJczsthTmzor_EYtq0-BEB_WX4Ef/s640/IMG20170502121648.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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no...not cartoon network..</div>
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It's TIMES SQUARE!!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNoY3vo-Ynptn1_sLYbRjDawqktSxISpAyvTDN85JgGIWbiTZyY5ioMallxaC1b6quCbF5ipTcfmw6lnqgR-KHR_TS2j_g7ul3VoWu0A1Eqimd-VWU_zT032BUO493xZMAo0HW6sB_b1m/s640/IMG20170502121953.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You'll also see a lot of these yellow school bus around the city.</div>
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There's this big red staircase located at one corner of the Times Square. </div>
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A lot of people were seating here, but there are still room for you to go up and take a decent picture of The Square.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7lgmXyZ59arNOZ-9-RuyxJnNrBH0Ge_s8OoUURx9vETtZpXWkbniTNcofeUyFO5MrYZFdLKwafRhyVsUxfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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When I was there, there was a shooting of some sort at the area. It turns out, there was Dakota Johnson (the actress in 50 Shades of Grey, 50 Shades Darker, How to Be Single and many more). I followed and since there were hardly any people around following, I get to stood next to her...hahaha!! I became a paparazzi for the day. </div>
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There were also these lounges around. Awesome way to chill and relax after a tiring walk.</div>
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A closer view of the tall screens. If you can see (maybe not) there's actually a big ball on top near the 2017 sign. At New Year's eve, the ball will be on top of the pole, and after the clock struck 12, the ball drops back down. You can see all this in youtube. It'll be a lot better than being there live. Waiting for hours freezing your tuckus off, then only get to watch the fireworks and the fiesta for 15-20 minutes. Maybe just once in a lifetime, would be more than enough.</div>
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Moving on...near the Time Square is the all famous Broadway..</div>
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Try and get a show here if you can. They say it used to be very cheap, around only $10-30. Nowadays, the cheapest is rarely less than $100. But if you are lucky, try to get a last minute ticket near the red stairs. They say the tickets will be sold there at a cheap price in order to fill in the empty seats. But don't hold your breath for famous shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and such for a cheap price since these shows are almost always full.</div>
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This picture is not to show the Mets, although they didn't suck as much as the Yankees this season. If you look closer...</div>
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It's Carlos Bake Shop!! If you watched The Cake Boss that are usually aired in TLC, you'll know what this is. Of course, this is not the original one, just another chain from Buddy's family store. I guess you should go to the one in Hoboken or Jersey City, since those were the ones being aired in the shows.</div>
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There weren't really a lot of people here than what I imagined it would be.</div>
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The staff was super helpful. However, there aren't a lot of desserts here that I can eat.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> The original cannoli has pork, some of the cakes has alcohol. So I just bought a cookie and cream cannoli and an iced latte.</span></div>
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There's an open window for you to observe the workers baking. The smell is uuuuuu...goood...</div>
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A few meters away, it's the New York Times building. A lot of news happen here. =P</div>
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At the 31st street is the Madison Square Garden.</div>
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Under the Madison Square Garden is the Penn Station. Another big train station in New York.</div>
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Next to it is the NYC Postal Office. It is huge!</div>
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If you walk along the Madison Square Garden towards the 33rd Street, you can clearly see the Empire State Building.</div>
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Are those London phone booth? hmm...</div>
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Beside the Madison Square Garden is the New York Rangers team center. You can also watch a hockey match in the Madison Square Garden. Actually, they held a lot of sports event other than the NHL, such as the NBA. There are also numerous concerts played here.</div>
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On the day I came here, there was actually a game being held that night. But I needed to go to my conference, which started at the same time.</div>
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So I only managed to join in the exhibition. It was fun!! A lot of activities being displayed here.</div>
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I get to try playing ice hockey for the first time. Don't get me wrong, I tried grass hockey when I was in primary school, so I do how to hold the stick. But still, the techniques and skills needed are completely different. </div>
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See you next time New York Rangers.</div>
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I'll come to your game next time....if I can...</div>
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Opposite the Madison Square Garden, along the 33rd Street is the Pennsylvania Hotel. I booked this hotel during the times I was to come here for the first time, but US embassy screwed me up by delaying my visa. This would be a great place to stay since it is just opposite of Penn Station, and a walking distance to many attractions especially the Madison Square Garden and The Empire State Building. Next to it is Hooters...people who watched Big Daddy might know. haha...</div>
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If you walk straight through the 33rd street from Madison Square Garden, you'll find the tallest building in America.</div>
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That's right! It's the Empire State Building. There's a lot of souvenir shops around here. Surprisingly, the price is quite cheap as compared to other places.</div>
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After a looooott of photos at the Empire State Building, I walked back towards the hotel, passing through the Public Library again.</div>
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This time, I decided to go in and have a look.</div>
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New York Public library is the second largest in the US and the forth largest in the world!! It has many branches all over New York.</div>
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The Astor family: the founder of New York Public Library. </div>
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Since the 1872, the New York public library was endorsed to be a reference and research library; its books are no allowed to circulate. </div>
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The old arrangement of the library and the capsule used to transport manuscripts from one place to another using vacuum.</div>
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The library housed manuscripts, music sheets from many renowned artists and composers.</div>
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There's a lot of halls in this library. You can get lost in here.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhhMvQY_Jx7C6CHC1PhMdU0ec4XUWNWNSLALuRhbGad3JE0X4T__6nw-RwP59Q6ZxD7d6UMdE6_PHPQQGOxAAromc0ZIQiGM9d8FqpfqGDNqCEKGtVc_JeLMGGlW7YMoamXgysrZVcoqR/s640/IMG20170502144904.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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They still maintain the old design.</div>
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The reading and quiet area. It's a nice place to read.</div>
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Finally back to the hotel. It's time to take my luggage and get my conference on. </div>
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I took a train from the Penn Station to Syosset. Then the shuttle from the Cold Spring Harbor lab came and pick us up. The direction given to us via email was not that clear. They told us to cross over the bridge and wait at the opposite platform (westbound platform-without mentioning the platform's number). So as I arrive, I immediately went across. Luckily, the attendant helped to carry my heavy luggage. After almost an hour waiting, the van actually waited on the side that I arrived at. It turned out, the trains sometimes changes platform, especially during peak hour. My arms were hurting for a week after having to carry my luggage up and down the stairs hastily.</div>
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Anyway, after we arrived, we couldn't get back to our rooms immediately because the session was about to start. So we left our bags and our poster tubes at the reception.</div>
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Then I head to the cafe quickly to get my dinner. I've requested a halal or kosher meal before I arrived. However, the taste was not to my liking. It's a good thing they provided fish meals as well, so I could have a choice on other days.</div>
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After dinner, I ran to the auditorium quickly. This conference is not like any other conferences that I went to previously. There's only one auditorium, so obviously people will notice if you entered late. But they do provide an outside screening at the patio. It was nice as the weather was breezy.</div>
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The session ended almost at 10.30pm. Then we had to take a shuttle to go to our rooms. Little that I know, there's two different shuttles going to two different locations. Some people were placed at a hotel. I've only realized I was at the wrong place after the reception told me. I waited for another shuttle to come. I asked the driver whether he could take me back. At first he said no because he's not going back to the lab, and he told me to wait for the next shuttle. But then I asked whether I can make it for the last shuttle, which is at 12am. I guess the driver felt sorry for me and just asked me to come with him and he took me back. They kept telling the story of this girl who got on the wrong shuttle for days! It was an honest mistake because no one had told me that there were two different shuttles.</div>
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It took 10 minutes to arrive to my room from the lab. After I arrived, I just wanted to sleep. Set my alarm on the clock radio (so american) and dozed off after one second.</div>
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I'll tell you more of my conference in the next post. </div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-88889053129235829272017-06-29T15:11:00.000+01:002017-06-29T15:11:18.929+01:00Lisbon, Portugal Day 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">We had fun on <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/lisbon-portugal-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a> in Belem and Cascais.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">On the second day, we woke up a bit late as we were flat out last night from swimming and walking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">The first place we went to is a cafe to get some breakfast. My bestie found a cafe through Google that is located about 15 minutes from our apartment.</span></span></div>
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We had to take a bus from our apartment. To get to the bus stop, we had to walk for about 3 minutes, going down this steep road. Did you know that Lisbon is called as the 7 hills? It is very hilly.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUR1u8d-eodiD0mJBq4JdJt1LOL3wJ-m9mAu9MM41fCdcsAjiUPKS_Iyvh0HkZrH-XpDl_tpHORPmCdnmHkvj8frQW0ovHENoAtPjXXsZ9_uckT0ko2JwDT0kLCNmQh8kopTrRPd7Pco/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0172.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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So the cafe my bestie chose is called the Confeitaria Nacional. The cafe is more than 200 years old!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jjDIJMknIXp4dvxkvBii0C5-YFzyplAa_5-yJYGgES1iv0QocU1fkj1ct1OzJ6qUolL19jTnyV8upRbU3WBizWygYucvdm1BlSMiSQqpAJkHE8_4Pv1sZcjkpQG09PUNU-SelNedntw/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0180.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Near the cafe, it is the Arco da Rua Augusta.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Vogkymn92u9viyjTOjjzcleGBReFJUe0fBHnfYYHfhPS0tvNoCT4QcEWVsHJcW8stTyZfDFz2-GiZjGq-JxjfJWN9_Gs8Ye88fg6YPFnAS9bNnfvtAcXOIXNBmLuGQD5UgyGH7DzHOo/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0182.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Rua Augusta Arch is a stone, triumphal arch-like, historical building and visitor attraction in Lisbon, Portugal.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_T1HSQ-biWhnMLtoFbWpSGuR6nr03eNFcYMDzQkCz7dUHDjLPDfTwzpwhPCvk3FRw3SptZj8Yy_s68gVGk40JJUHmLJ5GfjyivZ4-ieFkIWs72xQZRhfkjtqlOGe7lMxVyyHQo4Wcgc/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0183.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Another transport attraction in Lisbon is the tram. The oldest tram in Lisbon is the number 28. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOeuugBoY90s9fOfh4b_f2cBrsQX7e8aXVi3PmiDnGiiCdt-DrqEJAPLdWqjVBtAggjbvHWP0Fpowd_1Cq3JbRhpeKcLXUF-M0aVJX8pWCqd-mpjqTvgLlgKPsvOZnxUShAkVLexcQds/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0181.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Just across the Rua Augusta is the Comercio Square. After the earthquake in 1755, the square was completely rebuilt.</div>
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This is known as the Cais das Colunas. It has always been the noble entrance to Lisbon, including Queen Elizabeth II.</div>
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The breeze was so refreshing!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrkUqHb7Irk5u_GbbJeBIdaq1AaVpO84D4Fo-zyikGoOTs1kOjKUpWsJeWZXZHROlvHdDvzswpueV9bhznnZA9Nm6kq2y9phfuZHkPEENofHxTAVs4VBL0j1VWxvUGX4Kl00-lrtpnXE/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0186.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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After breakfast and some sea breeze, we walked to the train station. On the way, we went to the Elevador de Santa Justa.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FqzHJLBiHQ8bIhwBfFuISOWcGaxjWthsOWddnbTPSmo-mGnBthFgjlvvp5oZPMgDoFer2PNW61e07smDFeES_S7mc9gFlkVy26p-rw9GFeen-cGLXDy_zwYMotU7MkiikKJLF-D_Mrg/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0187.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The elevator is from the 19th century built to go up the steep hill in Baixa.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_W5pdlP8QFuuzTKkiWfy0nTZSk7J7qqy0ekRaJu5UzoSDTUPXxMrdXHaVoxy4A9ScRDNxLnhLro7WGtvJGWE8lC4XlI_CSvNmJBiOcX_qVdPQ7yQ1NYo3CDkEbgMoM3z_SM7iYSvY0c/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0188.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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A return ride costs <span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€5.15, including the entrance to the viewing platform.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiD3wQ_tkXxQvR5H0EQXoc1effygMPLJKdpC_XiYUAmBVZXStfPZGw1FzBYtyiYZ3TazYiRafYcb5eYWbkC15hEFJ3zV-7r6qyUn0fFAqI22Kykuskpjct1AcpXjWr8Fj5GF88XFVCGs/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0189.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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After taking the lift, you still need to take steps up.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PubTy7TSB_LH9tbqMx0Zh1tSCm2KHoN9FFABWFtLi16ewNqS2WE83qd7yz3pwYQhumNlri_qnm9ZFZ2jsITdTICfi5hfE-Gx2zbiDFE0Hx3tWmBzcdBvd2iHrwrJWWhAI87rLaZq9aw/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0194.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The view is beautiful.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4ZQ5nvthLj6Y8_1Hq-UNePUFSIrJWzlNW_xxgcMsHKXWHl3PYO66Uf88wOC7W2UQ_tqbpnWoJ9k7OfRMgl_Y39Ofg3DYe-tBy_KdpM00Eqfb4QSWoGynT019FUe_4Knat40MTCatxj4/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0192.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the classic view of Lisbon.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74rRyCrAZ729BkaVPpduiVOFCvAi4iRXid7GKZeABocy3m7IouUsmljVdWeqk9psfi0D7r6_JnOfwP6aUxmzZmVtmhYzWlcKSj97BQW7jAUUnVRe7XwFGGbZhOCMbYadmRdjRgjnPo1g/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0193.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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From the elevator, we walked towards the Rossio train station.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlVwcLaeUQUunaJtZjLQgeiO_BRVlbNk3x_qLq1L67RfoqpYW2d90PmDPA6xGvR8-FXaMz-0poywuzXvbPym6r6doK62EBVwCxQENJ5KMXrTayKREadik440rh6hVoM39ePTyEUcaQdQ/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0195.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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We walked past this plaza and I took the opportunity to make ablution.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1031" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc6mbReU5Uoh-wbhZyRCPtk9OBu1p3HscBr5ZbgTGZgLgyGeV1INZMhXftDN1-_ue7cEq9HMuD0IudbNjlgXnPTAtErhuQWnhX07gko1hmm6DW8wTQ1hsHcwcUedgj16znpukFGQ6xxM/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0198.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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A return ticket from Rossio station to Sintra is less than <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€4.50 using the Viva Viagem card.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4OoKsNoZ3sSLhzXUyVfDTF1T-DR_YWU0wt6HSew1hY5CmMMG7z7SZkt6DDcX2SkEQUDhm7gf8q6gD5xQAn8CzgBcL6zQty4Gs4IWHryZqioJhPupTFeBlKk8Bgs8aDiCBk8AMHnW2Gg/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0199.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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As we reached Sintra, I could see the beauty in the city.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglm20nFNDv5UezZPxf53v0tK09zwOakGWazO3jT84aWWimJLXLBeKbQdazyockXwvYYoyLYOYrD_h_CJEfSLQW2cHDSrGL7IfkZlr3J7fjO6J0WOJ6iaO_p3YFTZ55u4kc1dteprPmmiI/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0201.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The purpose that we went to Sintra is to visit Palacio de Pena (Pena Palace). You should take the bus 434-The Circuito da Pena route from the train station. The bus costs <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€5.15 for a return trip, and you can hop on and off the bus since the bus will go through multiple attraction sites, such as the Castelo dos Mouros (The Moorish Castle). There are actually a lot of Islamic and Muslim history at the Moorish Castle. But because we have very little time, we decided to only go to one palace. We did visit the vicinity of the Moorish castle, we just didn't enter.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KR4j5wAP37Afronq97bcsn0cX6CKo7h-_l3Xc6bJew-3FXA9EzoQOThf2nc-O1AqBHqCZJuNkd4h3XgkGT1V0gmRKhbTSSRFsO7AoGM6SudfCvWeb5uBqVdYHW-HBuCvsIelA98ztVs/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0203.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Pena Palace is one of the UNESCO Heritage place and one of the seven wonders of Portugal.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnvvfcGNQ3Bc3NJgaL_qj_IKHfSs1ewf0huLMDG57e_nxTT3QbjtddUcY5SIq3V1vBrTYoUYv8x1vrLUVIdWhg99byUCvRAybkooK3Rd0bOyudEHbZbDJmIjb2ja6RneHXeNVDG3p2vs/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0205.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The view from the palace itself is spectacular.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uImxUj6T2QrhMjMSDdAkAPNp4ZSnAa5zD3WGflq1uzTmuyAWgU_9ILHrhi_mEx42EttA_zgnhSBIJUT-X3HlL9KLI39dT-HX4C0-rs1thvKMz1jICgfivW57HEJxDDP8bspg_n3BDms/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0207.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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We arrived just in time too. The palace closes at 7 pm. The tickets to the palace cost <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€14, which includes the entrance to the palace and the gardens. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82_T1fr2upCH8zUPWE6-TD5SeB1BZwglsD6MVOkV1lkgX-tbPGVgTiVu7JkGKfI-6IxWXSj-SQErmhN9FBzswlMgCgWM0duAZQsfVxEFsQcFYOsHlLt1-n_6lI6a7JPbUsyZeMrPLiJY/s640/Photo+from+Siti+Aminah4.jpg" style="color: black;" width="480" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EyUDSuRFvj2S7erHr_SyiEd7X57ld7mcF5JZtTiaBGN1VUhOoWQXdWVQf5rS4LVaVCmtiDU17_HwG0-2mzfgiOOhL0N-u_Tu7CXxSa_h5v2lK1-_8d5VQtFPAZ2P1h3Nd7uQxhwfJoA/s640/Photo+from+Siti+Aminah.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To go to the palace from the entrance, you can either walk a very steep walk or take a 5-minute shuttle that costs </span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€3.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscnHtfwOsCcap9_YonOLApZF3niZnoAiYENDufh0Ix1EfCfyRWavDhnymo9uooUIoQIU76g5K0uFvTneS2rSRTK83QF3JWqsO4__eVymtxEuhDHEFReOSjUcPudx3Pa_4_0xCWKZe9pU/s640/Photo+from+Siti+Aminah2.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"> It would be better to take the shuttle because even from the shuttle, it's a hilly and steep walk up the entrance and to go up the palace. It's quite a climb.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4gYqq2H94XBWOgpEBFJyvealkE6DY-pVdEuc8NEseADweLLsmx2abjQ5bQinHX0drDWhWwi5OZ9nZEgZ9MixPyjN7GnfbWFGkNTs1IepQuOR2A51SpDEhaBNL90inAC71UsvGwXp6Sw/s640/Photo+from+Siti+Aminah1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I wish I was holding my wand in this picture, then it wouldn't have looked so weird. =P</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0DL3Mfm57JOdNn5mKXVVsxvLQjFPLgfPvmmNxSO3gIdPkwMU1uXbpR5ts-JvNoe8MxMQ2zAiXsYL39rgQY9hjrvwdo8i9XZSHQ1i2TRWI8EhPb-4HfsnsQS-ykEcVZ2QAZTLLa_cy3Q/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0210.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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But it was definitely worth it!!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_FRz5Tr-SvDNY8GeUuMSg-2CqE8m2RuuPWBJCYP9T5xb4vHMZxEMHkckJ3F3TPi1iZ-sP9kfe4fpyHdD-fo_QMohx9A-Nr0W6n7LoiRs3WtblSg1kTuzdyDqPovue5zZvFrS1CzXz9Y/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0215.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The palace has multiple parts for you to explore.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-DsrEAEloqhEKu0jcIQnE4dlLhyDGl6oUn1SqDBa3Qmh5Em0OkxeTaCL_BkTFabVUnTcAwXT-Ght0qJpi6wFMs2q8ORlSlRP-EMu5-5IWx0nMao5J6nP3JEO7qF_mzcxGLqEAArk_ms/s320/IMG-20170627-WA0211.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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The inside is just as stunning. However, I do think England's royalty houses have bigger rooms. This is the dining hall.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4rB-700C42tHWT3waTv7Obzl_nasVnhGWQuBXoe9RbVXdh8-is3TOMDcb6TVOqbIbwvCHicNSH0a9KcN78ogrjn3w4zIFLXsuGNWKp_-abWmuxnlmqoWnqfNpefFSPuHYUSc-1m9twA/s320/IMG-20170627-WA0212.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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The Duchess' room. Kind of small, don't you think?</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfHOsln1FtluoxySe1e8uUtblxcY2KsnWJEXTWl8QxnEUUmmRmoIV5Cz00Y11ebqGkYJGIHYPOtnvYOAijjXo0Obj6NDMAajrCOfL_M7_D0BJI6Y0EL4Tg0ytrtV8kY7X8BhoHJL9sts/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0213.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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If this was England, this room is a must. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHQcs_HdXGMo9x6AHI9KJmJy1JjFeiOsfvFGpfyneIIGIXSUk9ff7axWIcwfTyPDq2FujC4LhKCbQ7QQ9L2uTSyFtSr7oaRHmM66oHgvZtd9zI9UAKGDJTWyIDqvEhyphenhyphenXU0UWp-kTHw7M/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0214.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Another interesting room is the Arabic Room. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwh5yjB-IfF4x6ocNifxRUd6gz4L4TlzKQwU8jC9KefIeMw1Xz2SQCzSfyCJjr5CQhvumLW9uIpTiDSaoDbkmWMWQ6nhSJs-Y-BfibOcz_nd6zIpqIeG6u2N0M-UqAvRJxTvmI9qcBuI/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0223.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Not that there are any Arabs here, it just has an Arabic influence in the design and structure.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e60gDTIL9lDXMqHHIfVc9759oNZmMBtAPkZaQdzdMVZQKpDa6omy1PLJwnJ27KLy7E2AMvMJgmVFWiL9_QSKnXdPVlMftP-R-vax0EwtQAhW98aJuyI5xCESANv3T5Tx-QdBelauURA/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0216.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The halls are quite short too. If I can touch the ceiling, you can imagine how low it actually is. Imagine how these tall Europeans walk through these halls.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtI4R944RaIeGbQWRdyj0a6gm6P9VxXEcPHaLGcdG_4M2PGQgC1IuIjOgwrjJPM44iVPa5Y61UpjVWT3yg6qukOgIVsqUAhKpWa_JB9OPULnIziTErvZw5k3kL7k2cZC1O29j9QyFsbDo/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0217.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the only large room accessible in this palace.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWVyAt8QAAFxsFO7SHNSZ9qIgAnALs_s0HXAVD1SUtCqoR2x2y44ah21vDJUIn1KH-gUIWxqjr7kjmxBPwrVFTp-V5d3-l0EroHxB9JXblD4i6quilATznCTdpik6vBPlcRjAdvu2nbQ/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0218.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Can't get enough of the view.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYSB83c1ltcHEwhdsM2cdWMKrG5OBjp1W5yvnsPCa5Ml8KT7pk6V-h9akBkOotB390foZNDcMw9amMTY8NQFHacnuJ3U1zyz6FVlmf8fPHqgcBRTJBp_DsTGm8HA3b2RdA6zWw1w9x6c/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0219.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the entrance of the palace.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXAZ1Rfyiu7u3DEl3tlH895CBNEQeMy5z3aZp3aex3DRHGrmDxudDTyxfApyxVHfX-nGH1SeBEgnMAzLGn-V_KMoRYRTNJk2IpkeH1EJ3cH9sp1v-dC9prlCBSpH2NV1eFwhPD-11lMI/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0220.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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After the Pena Palace, we went back to the train station to take another bus number 403 to Cabo da Roca-the end of Europe. One way tickets cost <span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">€4.15, you can't buy a return ticket. I'll tell you why at the end. The bus is actually going to Cascais. So if your trip is to go to Sintra first, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais, then you can just take this bus. The road is so narrow. There are even this tram tracks that go through people's front yards.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1375" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshrdAF5AgujDpxIBJlQmC12kSLy9lFALq_Zw-eARD4XIGgHl_uXvebdOU2PELgt1O69J77QAgcfIxG1yg8MH9ZJsgCXw1ATNjj985Z2FQwfMcXx16_FlaIBPoeHULbS3Y_IfmJlV_JrI/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0226.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is Cabo da Roca, the western most tip of Europe.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiPIgZq9AmjHAv7vAhamdS1Bky6YGthB8Gq7L-euMajcjeYEDcFpaMw8fHU7AUSeGo-wMYyt301tPG13vchQoMMWsLwz5oc_QtGS3kaujXtsYKbRB-cH_iWkEljCJSBTKjNQnClqTZ4o/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0228.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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That is why they call it as the end of Europe.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyroAeSv8tnm_jNIVSlsfGa5ml55KHpJHCyEFHlNYBxr6D15o8D9Tqzwyp2vNncE7fk1M4l-LaRrBiWqGN0rZIxHj4rP7zCfLLFrja_bWv4CZFH7TbJtwb70opyCVkDDCi85bLdC2kSg/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0229.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This place is so remote, there's only one building around, no trains towards this place, only bus 403. </div>
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So you need to check the timetable to make sure you will be able to take the final bus.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1E-x3wPSmYBK5hEHkJJMVasXVP2jYsBpojX-MkNtkiH8DwfJSm-HRyco_kzm80MnVvg2FHBzp7TeCj6u3R6Ez2KWFWpvjA_rD8r4s8dCw03KMDfswlb2yxWQi7FlrdbirTJzpQGOVBs/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0239.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Since it is summer, sunset is not until half past 9. The last bus to go back to Sintra is at 9.04. At first, I thought we missed the last bus because the timetable online stated the last bus is at past 7 pm. That's why you can't buy a return ticket because you might miss the last bus. Then you will have no choice but to take Uber or a taxi.</div>
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I did manage to get a glimpse of the sunset. It was so gorgeous. </div>
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After a busy day, we went back to pack my bags and get ready to go to the airport. Such a full and eventful day. I would love to go back to Lisbon because I didn't really get the chance to explore the city.</div>
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Until next time.</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-42321597098961485242017-06-28T23:20:00.000+01:002017-06-28T23:41:37.762+01:00Lisbon, Portugal Day 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">Continuing from <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/riang-ria-raya-2017.html" target="_blank">this</a> post.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white;">After we changed our clothes, we walked towards a nearby park since the friend we met at the mosque suggested it.</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH6v0OiIU9Wt6ZmUdysHirWGld8QYeq2Ixcu1Lgin1dybpHk-_ssGJ9S6swbD9y_r1LFK_qojOHJQXBcnyjUsTPLmSsx_a-m30ES2MmC91hCI9HX3PlXRDMBhcTzdo6RAjp99bB24IMBS/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0113.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The park is gorgeous! It's called the Gulbenkian park.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1033" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrp-BY4oFZ5cMzZY-b9bdWU6K_5DmRd3Ri7Ha-Fe11G0VfyXoi8-nq50WNHwEesOcs5uSUeqYbwGQ4Jfpra-iz62oBQXVxSPlegePbWH3cEFvKWi4fjtA4l-HRnH30Za8koMXP9jlUqacE/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0109.jpg" width="476" /></div>
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There's a lovely stream...</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Go-b0xhiIRRzSKH5sTxKEx_cXBpWTI6saS916zEHk3djeRW-r_jj6ioqnWTUc_2hIrgOh10-ProivmGEQIE_dwYIJViErvDoE9ugMnh6jJjaQh4DxayRdYFPxaP_O8GBAwZ3cl1KEor/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0116.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Loads of ducks...and turtles! Hardly see any turtle in a park.</div>
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There's also this black crowned heron.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dywoKm9ELL1hA5k1Ri35dBLCewnSZrNiTXD_ReEfN2EBSHqEsT0x2MP-E2LEfF7muioT29d0yoiYEyc2PCsbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Poor little guy. He was trying to get a fish, but the ducks kept messing it up.</div>
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After the park, we took an Uber to Belem. In Lisbon, we mostly used Uber to go from one place to another since we only have two days to see everything, which is never enough. Uber in Lisbon is super cheap! It takes around 18 minutes to go to the Belem Tower from the park (12.2 km) and it costs just above <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€12. If you take the train, it takes about 42 minutes, which is a huge difference. The driver was super nice too. He told us the history of Lisbon as we passed some monuments, such as the aqueduto (aquaduct).</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u_DZc5kjVcCVRwdayxAx4hOGMcE-9D-ovhbNasXx3efyBcAcEHDM1f4Vrp9PHbRkYEavLbucRaggWM7_BGvO5fUp-CFN5pPiNdkBHoPg56jwulbgAd3OAj2Mp5EBuFLoc1vhzdjEb0bx/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0111.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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As we arrived at the tower, the driver offered us tours that he did. But because we are pressed for time and we wanted to be free to make our own choices as we go, we had to decline.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIKNhT6AhU1thYmsKXIm6hYeuWIshNpwE9M7bfnbIqrF0W-8TWLhyphenhyphenMbeXzEGo3d53h1Fs_4Rh3__5CTi9KgmURtDbRRWpTMRXAciYvy-do1UKY3xPJJGflo6lY17Gmd2Ti3RbSAXphUsN/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0112.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Next to the Belem Tower is the maritime museum.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIcRTpf501aYzceWV07pLmpXkjZAVdjybt7KG4MYO_ccDuxz1zc2uN3la9mYBp7hZbNjm4kBs4zuGP8786429QEvQoqidp0IeIEqQjWU2eti2BFAjFMAlDCiGyCd7dgRh3mVsAP3LsGSW/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0115.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the Belem Tower. The queue was super long, so we decided not to enter.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Jr-4WutT_N3m4aYGYbuHrn7lld8qmcFWMX_ufLd1wo6Mpa5jkoYZ-aUigZwECi06J1DUcYzP63j8occGSUQ3Qu_DqZo2zGkJgfxMmpEFGeeMcIOyGs082XFvwmYdlhETdMEjZhPzktwm/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0122.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which is a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6zAHi56BvMCZPaHFriFT3p20Bd9VYTFV7jIm-KkGEgiFOvJI84_Vghr1KSTQPODuYZT8WW0Y5ty9E8nEJuV4L5gQLMQiIWNQWcRkRqO_Z3BEjy75s0PWToiSEqobJ0chsNVJxxu5Lqg1/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0126.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The monument celebrates the Portuguese </span>Age of Discovery <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(or Age of Exploration) during the 15th and 16th centuries, which includes Malaysia (or known as Tanah Melayu back then)</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8FiEFokpB8mZazQHRGiEYcLRmswwgs82NBQHTYlLDdCBYKVVzPpjgtdEglSHXDaYTB6knjcE7iBnSt_uVWC14fHE8HLq8-NYo7ePf1EqhPzrg5GMe9EfUynbXYdp0RtzCIEOdFgm9mV1/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0127.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Mom...I'm Back in Malaysia!!! </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qTDP6-604OHszBH8sscNYP_60IOROG9zUOZkFO6vJ8lv8N2dRTad9D8x4CYbRxTcpZnGZZY9Rxi2OiAlDbAbUCo9cSL750xiEsgVG3XfExi2wR4tmINq8A13ENycZ2qEZte6Y_ndjc0I/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0128.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Part of my country's history.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxfjB1lVyKIMD6ZVgfvLcgkPKKotlZ71zdGdE2uUQLKxKE4Nh6D-gze2zimOxa5qV2p-tNDne0-sS4EUWQSXf2MvpaV-ppDCpRdr7YEA7e8SdY7MFHNM7drsq63wxBZ8iTUsrqOYA6WAu/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0129.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, Portugal.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BfOCbCuwE5p6nrZHHwmP-hKqPcbwfJxFdmomPcyCOS0sJ4LBuKo1qXAfP09tNgOE2yu1DKRPa7YnIr511lgcF-7auk21rOeq7Zw20liOMXD79Fz0VTpJOyJo29rkLwPxsTu9L4jzyrqi/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0131.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Another tourist attraction transport around here are the tuktuk, just like the one in Thailand.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2or11TIzMeDBLQnubaunxkf2HKEub7FjkYtPpeayTRpPND-UCizKIClfpEYXXr-eu1WMFFscXaXyhzVnLx7vkwMaERIckNGfO6DPIcdVFf7LP7KTO0_IBNTu0fhNx7j4y46tfSAndby-C/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0135.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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They say it's beautiful in the monastery. We didn't enter this one as well as time is limited.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYS1GURkiDOhyphenhyphenSZS2XFdLYr1z3TotW6CShyphenhyphenjL5gUrKq_HtCrjtyPIfYsomUYX-yoRsuP5cKVA3-FHO_5SoS5k7d7U9iKHn9te8EiO94AyuwApk_DDMlg5UHTILL9bwDTUaMdRkSYZUaKB/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0132.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Inside the maritime museum, they are holding the vikings exhibition. Vikings were not part of the Portuguese though. </div>
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The main purpose of going to Belem is this, the patisserie (Pateis de Belem). </div>
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It is the go to place if you want to find the famous Portuguese egg tart (pastel de nata).</div>
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This place is so famous, it is packed. They have over 40 seatings, there are two take away queues outside. But the queue moves very quickly,that's how efficient they are. </div>
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The pastel de nata were still hot as they serve them!</div>
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Near the monument, there's this guy that makes these crafts from coins. When he saw us, he asked where we were from. When we said Malaysia, he immediately looked around for something, and he took out the 20 cents from Malaysia!! He said that one is his. He can make any shapes that you want for <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€20-30. </span></span></div>
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The last place to visit is the monument of Alfonso de Albuquerque. He's the guy that lead the colonisation in Asia. The guy that made it his mission to combat the spread of Islam in Asia.</div>
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After our time in Belem, we get a move on to Cascais, the seafood paradise. </div>
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You definitely need to visit the Hell's mouth (Boca do Inferno).</div>
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The ocean is clear green and blue. So beautiful!!!</div>
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This is the <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Palace of Cascais Citadel (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais). I have no idea who this guy is.</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nU64shLKijNQZxbVVjuNYy9IYK4Vaic3xGqBXY41K1UnE6QvHHrLOnZGR1J8AxoJ23t10U47NQ1Gwxa4HY2XYbCceDcLBCGBNaIVXoSIukBjXyYfkeR71nC8q4g1iUNV7THtTFYXWDEb/s640/IMG-20170627-WA0154.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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There are stalls selling all kinds of Portuguese product. One of the interesting thing they sell is made out of cork. My bestie bought two purses that are made from cork.</div>
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We walked towards the beach.</div>
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This was the purpose!! I wanted to swim at an European beach for a very long time.</div>
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It was awesome!!!</div>
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Another thing I wanted to eat here is this! It is called Percebes in Portuguese. I know they look ugly as hell, but it tastes kind of nice. It's a snail by the way. We ate it raw. It has s little bit of the ocean taste.</div>
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O Mastro is the place to get this. The price was decent too. We bought a grilled fish (which include salad and potatoes), the percebes and some chips for <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€25 total. </span></span>There's another must eat dish in Portugal. I will tell you in the next post.</div>
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We tried catching the sunset to go to the Amoreiras for a 360<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">° panoramic view of Lisbon.</span></span></div>
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Amoreiras is the tallest point in Lisbon. It only costs <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€5 to get to the 360</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> view! Remember to bring thick clothing like a jacket because the wind is so strong. The view was gorgeous!! If you can see the bridge there, that is an identical bridge as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Not only it was made by the same company, they even used the same materials and colour!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy this time lapse.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time.</span></span></div>
ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-15802842210743479232017-06-27T23:34:00.000+01:002017-06-28T19:50:40.234+01:00Riang Ria Raya 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I would like to take this opportunity to wish Eid mubarak to all muslim out there. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">كل عام و انتم بخير</span><br />
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Let's take a break from my NYC trip for a while.</div>
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This year, my bestie and I spent our eid in Lisbon, Portugal because she has a course there and I am not about to spend eid by myself. </div>
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On the morning of Eid, we made our way to Lisbon Central mosque. We took an uber because the bus was taking too long to arrive. It only costs us less than <span class="_Tgc">€4! We arrived just before 10am for the second prayer.</span> </div>
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People were still arriving as we did. Everyone wore their best clothes that day. It was such a beautiful scene. </div>
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The mosque was quite big. </div>
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It has two levels. The ground floor is for men. </div>
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the second floor is for women. The placed was packed, I couldn't sit and get a space until everyone got up for prayer. Even then, I had to squeeze around. </div>
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The funny thing was, the imam gave instructions in Portuguese. I knew how people in Malaysia performed Eid prayer, so I thought it would be the same. Why wouldn't it, right? But in their prayers, they did three takbeer in the first rakaat, and the second set of takbeer was after reciting al-Fatihah and surah. So on the second rakaat, I mistakenly ruku' when the imam said Allahuakbar, when he actually meant the three takbeer before ruku'. A lot of people made the same mistake, and some even proceeded until sujud and tahiyyat, even my bestie..hahaha.... It was an interesting experience. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK_30ZrQ3L9N2cIu9wg4l53kqelFeoOR4tF0t-sFbO0OE_FsCziL078OovEFxrGFa1jpVo_lIXaeNverZyOWRUqGrmhpIQtyHJr9JEmyXdeaxeCLOkPAvGPUb6uohBv0jFSDcdpyaFDM_/s640/19510168_10213937134851197_8361608349487473147_n.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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We met some awesome people when we were there. This nice young lady helped us a lot with our itinerary. She gave us many suggestions of places to visit, the must see and do. </div>
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After prayer, we went outside and took a bunch of pictures until there were hardly any people around. </div>
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I have a few 360<span class="_Tgc">° view of the places I've been to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sitiaminah.muhammadimran/media_set?set=a.10212429368997993.1073741835.1494301404&type=1" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">We changed our clothes afterwards in the mosque so we can walk with ease and comfort.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">I'll continue about the sightseeing in a later post.</span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc">Until next time...</span></div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-21297412751210612702017-05-29T01:15:00.004+01:002017-05-29T01:24:51.003+01:00The Big Apple Day 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Where is the place so good, they have to name it twice. That's right. It's the high rise..it's New York, New York!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I had the pleasure of visiting Manhattan, New York earlier this month. I came here for a conference at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. While I'm there, of course I have to spare some time to visit the place I've been dreaming to go to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">My bestie sent me off at the airport that morning. She was quite worried since I was going by myself. Yes, to the big city all on my own. Another adventure to embark. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">I took the American Airline (it was quite a wonderful journey) to JFK. There was a little mishap since I bought a BA ticket. It turns out, a few of BA flights are provided by AA. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Took a cab (the iconic yellow cab). The rate from JFK to Manhattan is a flat rate of $52, but if you add up the tax and the tip (it's a must to give out tip in the States), it'll be around $82.50 in total. I booked to stay for one night at the Grand Hyatt. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">It's an expensive hotel, but it is convenient since the Grand Central Station is next to it. There's a bit of story about this hotel. I'll show you a video about it later on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">On my first night here, I've already had a plan of going to a Yankees game. Yankees is one of New York's baseball team, one of the famous one, I guess. There's also the Mets, and Brooklyn's team.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">The Grand Central Station during peak hour. It is situated beside the Grand Hyatt Hotel. See the walkthrough <a href="https://youtu.be/DQO5ciftyCo" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";">I was lucky that the day I arrived, there was a game because after that, there were no more games held at the Yankees stadium after the 2nd of May.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">To go to the Yankees Stadium, I only need to take one Subway from the Grand Central Station (the M train) that takes about 15 minutes to arrive.</span></span><br />
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The New York subway system is kind of like London Underground tube. They are messy and complicated.</div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">As I was going that afternoon, I can see a lot of Yankees and Blue Jays fans going to the Stadium, so I can just follow those who are wearing caps or jerseys, </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Mind you, I was the only hijabis there. But thankfully, everybody welcomed me so warmly. They were very nice and friendly.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Everyone that I encountered will wish a great game or enjoy the game. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">The stadium was huge. There weren't a long queue, but there were already quite a number of people inside the stadium. There were many vendors selling food, drinks, snacks and merchandises. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">It was a great game!</span></span><br />
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do the YMCA!! </div>
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Although Yankees lost horribly to the Blue Jays (quite disappointed with Yankees suckiness) 1-7, I did enjoy my very first baseball game. </div>
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On the way back, I followed the others, which made me feel a bit safe. </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMa0Qrf98ETuLqBUGvteFNf_MNQzYWQSigx5NfO43DAN56fWK5SGdgP6GHHpHxYOYOdr32xVrEcYuhaJ60P_vTTMDC0o61J98xYd37qcVZuoMFkRRaqnsAM50ia9j2hnGkeIUEG_7JfD3/s640/IMG20170501223651.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is the view of The Grand Central Station after midnight. Still quite a number of people around in the city that never sleeps.</div>
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Continue next time... </div>
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Enjoy this 10-minute <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0Fya4tB93MhOWJPUWpBZm8ySGM" target="_blank">Video</a>.</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-39733894704273944022017-04-26T11:36:00.003+01:002017-04-27T15:28:37.059+01:00Cell and Gene Therapy Congress<div style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I'm kind of going through all the drafts in my blog and finishing them off one by one. So if you realised that I suddenly have a lot of postings lately, that is the reason why. Plus, I needed to make room for the most interesting post that is coming very soon!! So bear with me for a bit.</span></span></div>
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From the previous parts (<a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-first-solo-trip.html">1</a>&<a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/my-first-solo-trip-part-2.html">2</a>) of my solo trip to Amsterdam, this is the reason for the trip. My first conference, the cell and gene therapy convention, which was held at Amsterdam RAI convention centre. </div>
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<img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSMTu-U8LLqBAvcKEW5t9MQcpPp9ra4s8IJab58AF2CdHkDM_z8A4NKPtSOw9pB4yGP3EzuwBNZMSBk0hz4tLrt_ZJp9K4EMv0fTGJ4G3fmOa0Ja0kqv6K6_hotJDbF5xPC-QASGjz_Po/s400/IMG20161128084447.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Very early in the morning, after having my snacks and my morning cartoon (even though it's in dutch), I went to the conference with excitement.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QdMHffPijhgRIbAWBEPI3GfpYSChb03HBBaLOYw5_NQ0mf6IJ1YKF0SdbQmVTACaf0UQvTAcAM2qGLy07UsfzxILzfWz7asGNxfqMinA-zf829fAoHYeJ7zu-0iRrM4kG0kRyS7Vmnxf/s640/IMG20161129104847.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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There weren't a lot of participants, only a couple of hundred. I only realised that this conference will mainly talk about manufacturing products and machines for cell and gene therapy during the morning briefing. haha...At first, I was a bit let down, thinking why was I there in the first place. But later on, I was glad that I came.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6veetgTw4CqKZ7sNU2U7kydK6Ot7-uHx4jpHmypBeX7AEe9FqPXZPMYZb3rMn_h6VJxfYpiWX0m5dL8RWeACrjUZcqFslLqmSKwghuo2G4tUWjA4bjQvanYB-ibf_Bceh5jeUJ-rf3po/s640/IMG20161129105551-horz.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My favourite part, coffee and some nibbles. The best thing that this conference was held in Amsterdam is the stroopwafels. I can have as many as I want!! hahaha</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTaOz-v1i62eJXnE9yIMNCfN9CD5_08ZEk1nVbq340XN15fMrg11a_JbT5Q2fOm96jyLqtTwPtE3rdLQr6HrjARzorn6Gqg8R7Tq1Np1gdnDGHSARusOcxCqPhmKZB8f_LRwPAoRw2tmV/s640/IMG20161129110414.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The convention centre is huge. But our conference is just at one of the halls.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRkvQMAFUxNtSgOIRMAWD1XLtSorzt406XJtBgIC39FzsjX0Xe-DuoXTOKe3O5Ya_LXwdj202fh5tSYskRCfdPVpB07ni_H2OLrThRf7-qqNKzmJRYlg6zNk1gPpM1LdijUSAZyoRrT2P/s640/IMG20161129170536.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Most of the exhibitors are from companies related to cell culture and cell therapy, such as biolabs, gibco and many more. Most of them were very kind to entertain me and my silly questions. Some of them did snub when they found out I was a PhD student. I'm not the only one though, there are a few other PhD students. But most of them are reps from companies.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33x05XmEeL6yn59LcxJXJ0KOlOcVR9upucKYnEXJPHEGAaWVTmBpjeOFQcpPjwB-jrFaU5KRal8KWtoNKo1QWbGFJq2_wAz3jU1-FHmaRY9Zhx0LUfQKKLqQCC-T_Vz4BhNZydk_FMfIw/s640/IMG20161129132415.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I love collecting goodies from companies. My bestie always nagged me not to take any more stuff. We get a lot of companies that opened their booth at Imperial too, where they will always have great freebies. That cute cow there is actually a screen wiper. =P</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa4nFmlv2TuWW0B2qYufFnuPcPYmaBWQbpPyiUixnfql4TU9B1xNY8lzY2wwxNct2fakZA9a15qJgMmk7tiQyQTc4vtHa6C1oeE_krFwOqv7Mi0sFayjkLIC6Ec7yqWoiheeF5DYC71F2/s640/IMG20161129123313.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Most of the seminars are about manufacturing products, GMP etc, only very little was about research and study cases. This guy right here, he looks pretty young, right? He's the CEO!! Kind of reminds me of an episode in criminal minds where Dr Reid was approached by a young man after his talk and it turned out, the guy was the CEO of a pharmaceutical company. Kind of like this guy right here, only better dressed, and handsome too...hahaha</div>
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The conference did give me a clearer idea of what I want to do after I finished my PhD. It showed me the opportunities that I have out there. Probably it's time to explore another country? =D</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8EdrPGoLhgMmuCZQMEePNSc2LeVGNHamJREUusfUOm9-S8gT27UPVQhfMQBhpsPTlKhFP3J5yetIaoO8Y2DUjJQEaBH4gHv6VWjB3ONn_l-F3t54WdxFENCM1ZFwmeU3XkBcMlmPHNQP/s400/IMG20161129133835.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfiUvNsKb7RWHU3NgH1_3JHxtJR1WaD_15CTyfeUpLRa2mjkJkjtTqu1vfsYYHZbVO6Ql6j7yZRr3hfmZ8nYAnhVcNzidwDBWLZMOnwOH3RpniwudSYjgRACfQNS9xoszsM4AvO1tvC9X/s400/IMG20161129133854.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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On the last night, they held a Christmas party since this was held in early December. I've been to a few Christmas party, and the theme is always the nightmare before Christmas. I guess they thought it wouldn't be mainstream, but it is. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg7pexs4ihdfilH-5Pgw3BRF9xkLausPfKY6TqvckEMHOH6u1ayy3c-vuMawKCW3WAZCNp88fHbH3rIGD4qGQBA-f6xqJqzUAKFGcOiD0Dk1PtcHrZyUhqkHxiQPFcFttPWV6Se4y0kXO/s640/IMG20161129174816.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Before the party, there was a special session by this guy, Toby Peach. He's a cancer survivor. This session is called his eulogy (eulogy is a speech given by the loved ones of a deceased at their funeral). It's comedic, yet informative way of spreading awareness about cancer. Toby is from the UK and has gone to many places, giving his 'eulogy' and raising funds for cancer research. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKqjPNXySSU">Here</a>'s some preview of his eulogy.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPNv0VEzmIqRQgZjMm0zpq1QaL4wKrW3zHob5TKW_GESCYLNn0__aVL19szvRELCtdkZBXf0Up8IZW19nHmmCgaKi4q1CoghPScv9DN8zNAknejN8hi9dYId_NP0vxRt1soSflN9frlnH/s640/IMG20161129184240.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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He was an awfully nice chap. He's taken girls..sorry...that lady went through his struggle with him. Stayed by his side through his worst times. She didn't come along though. I would've loved to meet her.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoNzbDRtgKNLOK5NC-vRxJ2nQishb1ea6fovHdTviJEbpvdRcw9ZzVx-SpmTPLxd8kB8nGLHePVmy0eeskANm4DTJxpYmE5DE0RYRnaUw0GVogZ3kfYHHgdcD6fQHfN5nai6miq0SLphz/s400/IMG20161129184445.jpg" width="300" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrZx3IFz73A5MK3Ij_qgtD_9dQvLa6aO5Vt-pUh5woa2hZt0sNDOz3S7N-BXGD7VSTXeSiY4ZwUfX8yMaEX3py0bfIB6d-TcIwDLBmhafKDGjUsuS8Va9pEbIWcNFfyliGtnvPhZUUyCp/s400/IMG20161129184454.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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At the party, of course, there'll be gingerbread cookies. The huge pretzel has salts (those little white things), which is quite a lot when you eat them. I don't like it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdupxDBrUU-WERXfqOnhbFJjF1umTjPB-LMcjpi8cc1_4vK2wHHI32mjVhowoSo7q8Y2xtN5gIDmzqF8GP3A6ZFr5hOIldf53HMBw_pqK1P5FhMZksfVS0RqwgIZ-Y9mOtUQoID9ixXZU_/s640/IMG20161129184451.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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More cookies and party favours. Those crackers aren't real. haha...</div>
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A party won't be complete without a live rock band. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LKsn9gPymlt6PuBVG7azTIRSObpv03bevNAWVqbhlXHkPdVs223AY6PKZDxx4L5-_9bGimlAsthw02Y_sASjMBNbwoY43Kjgs2MOOM-Z8H3xChfNOddbIb8ifOy7qOJ9O6E4xY-VoonG/s640/IMG20161129185927.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This is the part where they love to drink and get drunk. There's this Gluhwein stall, which is mulled wine. One of the things they will chug down during festive month. A girl was passing around some franks. As she gets to me, she immediately said sorry, I don't think you can eat these. That was very nice and considerate of her. I didn't expect her to know Muslim dietary requirements, but she did, and that made me feel so warm and welcomed.</div>
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Since I didn't stay at the party for very long, I went out and take a stroll instead. </div>
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Enjoying the lights and the night scenes of Amsterdam.</div>
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<img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz8GvySicp1bsAqm8kf4UQdtQlBxF3GxHB0uEzXUeqbksojuk4lJRfZAYj7x4685iDyaUtGDbLo-siABCalcH8JRGS2P4-hT2wRYejtVLCcO_R5QqEPHRAKSJ4KRWs3wMRFsd3TYxQLMP/s640/IMG20161128182019.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-47731540032692849352017-04-21T18:11:00.001+01:002017-04-21T18:11:07.707+01:00My first solo trip part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Back again...so let's continue on the second day of my solo trip. If you don't remember the first part being that it has been so long ago, here's the <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-first-solo-trip.html">link</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Since I have two days to walk around and see the sights, that's exactly what I'm going to do. The tram station going to the city is just in front of my hotel, which is super convenient. The last stop is at the central station (Tram no. 4). That morning while waiting for the tram, I saw some VIP heading towards the city. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I didn't think anything of it, so I just hopped on the tram with no worries whatsoever. Then after a while, I realised that the tram didn't actually go through the same route I went the day before. Since the announcement was in Dutch, I couldn't understand. After I confirmed that the tram will not go to the central station, I hopped off. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I referred to the map that I have, which showed I can take another tram from the stop, but when I asked the driver, he said I should take the metro without explaining why. As I walked towards the metro station, I saw this museum. Most of the museum in Europe have entrance fees, that's why I decided not to enter any, even though they seem so interesting. </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh181ZqjhEgOPneEZC-wumjQ88e1ENvfY5GzWrjALGIQH3455I8rSuCvpDmbVO9lOvQ9le1_JoOA2Xpca4ZQlfvRWEOUArLWI9TiSD9wSF1YY1XXY0A8DDlk32mpsVbDfYMm90b0c999Jk9/s400/IMG20161128103321.jpg" width="300" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaqQSQHzoLLltXrYjQpoELiQZiET1_MGx_4HPS1tmVklfTwfqZDyZIc8rZ3Jwg2TIbXLUcfCvpAzpzr8R0TCBcG6OS8GOVcHBB0JzG9SE7saGwN3NVU6HfPzZ-H0zSkjK5jOqXTLmnVHK/s400/IMG20161128103338.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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I walked around and couldn't find the metro, so I decided to just take that other tram to go to the city centre. Some of the sceneries I passed by.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR_ynm5YLZ0RbRiSZmkh2KOzL9QIOfy79m7obXh5WCtvNWhyqVdHGJQkQfRJLVVmctp7YCVbFQqUnGwakjGgLY9UgatCGm8TyGR1E89jD-41frm701jyZKC8tyK6KP3KsvQ1atqCbuC_e/s400/IMG20161128104404.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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This is a Thai massage parlour. Reminds me of Angkor Wat.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEUmHpXe1yTsdn3Xc56gmRmvHMdi4jr4b8gSYyW9fKxn16DifH81mZg0iNZtkhrN8PQcmkOvhsx3CF1kuc-xNbDb-CHhdDliFtVSokmAodIb0Lfy5QqaxhBOyW6O5F9Ny_wBxtYPHZjZl/s400/IMG20161128113448.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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This is the Westermarkt again. Yesterday when I went here to go to Anne Frank's house, I didn't notice something in front of it. I had to stop at this station as the tram was making another diversion.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH5RL_a4K_iar3yUqAUw994X8WTEoHYfBT8x-xPm3S3i3ylDTgxzcisZ5z74epwNUo998y5vodqUYFFA609C1LJyKOoPC1UZcimQ8NTqsD9p2haJT6M9fA6h_vsz-szx7hXPtNHEMcyrk/s400/IMG20161128113902.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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It is the symbolic triangle of the <a class="" href="http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do/attractions-and-sights/places-of-interest/homomonument">homomonument</a>. Long story short, it's a symbol of gay rights.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ibaeBoivChqbRJOs694IevrUmKuQszQ-NPg28Z9gGj1Qibxf0m2l1JS8vV8rp_MITvvAK8jauRzcU8pM2Wu6QsO0ZS2BKxnd5ogwurg5x2Ri20mT-wzXRY8MH-KEF4UKsCUdv-K8B2Xy/s640/IMG20161128120736.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Then, I took another tram that led me here, the floating flower market at the stop Koningsplein. You can take a direct tram from Amsterdam central via tram 1, 2 or 5. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJri6SWb0-opFvxTP0diYC4XrcT1gJvtbyqaqjFkCdcNlDyJc5jcZOPwL6Vg_yEypsUV_A7BDHL4lQx7UQk3rw0A6es6G3WOWhErdauxnb_YtfOy8l6YmxKzgGpqLyhQ-sNzWeoVHKhRi/s640/IMG20161128121027.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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It sure looks nice, doesn't it?</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzOe-pHyfljoRt7-oQwdgiPGHSENuMA3rMb4uphuiC_AN_018ZH4vLagXqwIeJIGmY5GQfDfsUv89hGqhXq9KP43K6hZ1LT0dhn9_JckRQv7MI4djLq_EhFJcWKiDuwsnQv0UwBgsY5Iv/s400/IMG20161128123421.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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As I was not that far from the central, I decided to walk before the tram takes me to another place.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqDd9LSUGau8PsY9l5pRa02QHIY2dUASDSN0Pv9G0l2Il4wQupq2Jsj92TnNdz-7FpdnPH7noFe-v8xvqk3IBsTsaxUnSJ-Z2rGrmJendeMlPMQUomyX8tJuomzQSgM7nA6MTnkJs8ALK/s400/IMG20161128125026.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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Saw this cute little thing, a mini lorry.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe89OpsyqHkB0eMf-drWPxuVBLCwhvsTJpqkxBUI8HE3ImQ1uS-cqgywLKk6mai0oufeQkTyLhE01yWvAdEQyH7hjoFOu204-MY_l8qEsAK88KfFp3VuWDEmL0-U_841omGhg0tFRde1k2/s640/IMG20161128125854.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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As I arrive at the central, I saw this main road was closed to vehicles.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGMzlVgwZmbnOMz65zzDk23uCrv5drDBcCObd681AMeWZ78UbwPNRAy4dW49lZ1onYwa0iMU4WFqrjMDkrUYA4NNst-LnWcwuPwtWVH3EbgYvaXK8DJWT0CXqyqixgH11dhFSUYPPofsH/s640/IMG20161128130215.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I walked along the road to investigate what is happening. The road closure is the main reason all the trams were diverted and that was the reason the tram driver told me to take a metro instead (because it is underground). Grabbed some of the famous chips and continued walking.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lRap1nwbN2mX1TdPq3-RBiPZuWp3YsHwLZ7qykZFIYlOMqkgyWP0ecrA3BMqiqqiXzV1wUdH2DHmf8Ds60dFvzGau_ORjMP5baFtYHe2RpqR-6htYwexk8Ps7bfsL2bzWHxwJxFqv3FL/s640/IMG20161128132204.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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There you go, this was the reason I got hauled around the city, not that I'm complaining. I saw a glimpse of guards (lots of them) while I was walking behind this building (which is the royal palace of Amsterdam). As I arrived, that ceremony or something has already finished. I tried google-ing, but nothing came up. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMC1U1J5FnxuvQdOO7COwsrh0TJ8Dj5_bl3vi_j2PjYwNu40BKeU-rEtaH3AmyBujHAyXuuft7AKbapgbj7fZz3I6g1r_HxAVcOZPS77zr_h_ALMDFP5MkNM5I0gEFFarXvzxmA-aDHBf/s640/IMG20161128132334.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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So I just take some pictures and move on. There's are a few free walking tours that meet here. This place is called the Dam, same as the name of the tram stop. You can check their schedule online. It says free, but it is better if you tip the guide after yo finish. They did take you around the city and used up their saliva to tell you stories and histories of the place. It's only a human thing to do.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj09hjxaUlyrEY2if0V41sUidmoaNR0U1_Ser28j54hDnlRnDxx-2iRcS9sPtYlKYcSXVjOmeBaeKU-pD7DhCaFZqN0pAqbaTd-udB7PZOwrlHK1-4xo8NypFYxdB9TssbqkWrH7_MVGW/s640/IMG20161128133410.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Amsterdam is a place with many narrow buildings. I searched for the narrowest building in Amsterdam, and found this! If you would like to read more on the architectural treasure of Amsterdam, click <a href="https://www.whatsupwithamsterdam.com/amsterdam-houses-crooked/">here</a>. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-bDxxJvDSYHolU3Y6ddhCcAlP_1fcbURe_ZT8UGqhKJfTkAo0frLJESce6IaFqjrepIvfMICdhSEedf_gyoffTvvOXHL1MJ6lF2rh6d_fO2oaTxaqSXSTjtpzcpP5REZ_YZPnbbUfqCX/s640/IMG20161128133554.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Chinese Malaysian are everywhere...hahaha..it's a good thing too. Easy to find Asian food if you crave for it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvZ6_9mUUlAB3O80NDsmq20UCypu6CvpNHCL47O9OCb4bqyylsfXB6aiFvZiZ9kJlTl8DuJ1pGTOSe1EkCV3vh1my9w2tWuBHd6Jv8V81zHOjtr7te52Sv6dpUUzezlemrKMkhoA9IaXG/s640/IMG20161128133835.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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One of the things that are suggested for me to do and places to visit are the markets.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgdEzM7iV2cF2WoUpuySsAQXlraxg1q21nng8D2AchKZD_MRwS2UCqZeYHDOZvTHfQxiXtw4o7JzJdSDjwbh2GZl0eyoHrZ4NfWdIp4Ckqe1CQRVtouhal0XuWkrsE09w5bnh6UBMnP1Y/s640/IMG20161128134039.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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There are many markets here in Amsterdam, just like in London (probably not as much). This one (<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nieuwmarkt</span></span>) was closed when I arrived though. sigh~~</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSOMLgxHfdKHr0lBQ8jpMqm5tHrOSyfuUS5DZajf_xGdWEp-gt9BgZzOz7dIQ0KW1NYSniQNnJ-2KDdv_N5rFCn5Ui5Z-0Kt0rA2ewySPKQYzmWC3z7WXhPSA2czhxlF9lShDLGZEZtKG/s640/IMG20161128142054.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Another market is this one, Alber Cuyp market. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRC6e1gZvUJ3vPpuUtzJEfBYMnrRpKinsXPhbhCcapStG4eV99JX-sAjasPy5c3UNx43ENe_wHquUuZ1oZRGPdlZCJlULP_RAjCM5nMqkXtnNuZBLhU4oU62-i_OTkogspokxJ-RErI-s/s640/IMG20161128142258.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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It's kind of like a flea market. I was surprised to see this chicken stall. It's halal, and there's always a queue.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfVZgEBFf73M_PIuLC4pdQCWQZ2820bJOp5kP-1wnUbDGI1KI02y9oK1qKbngGfXpk14947YgT9BhyphenhyphenlQqguO9E3qRmnVSKUft5-rdkkceHV6in4WUVWg0Bfdi5S5LrjJIt42VshXoFofL/s640/IMG20161128142643.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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One of the things that I came to find is this, stroopwafels or also known as dutch waffles.</div>
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You can't go to the Netherlands and not try the stroopwafels. It's made up of two of these thin crusted batter with caramel in between. You can have it just like that, the original way, or top it off with some chocolate sauce on the side like this. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj_lD9fVYPk8NGYUdFXndoTdWh6th9PVm9Ofwl5VrsymmqwR14a7QD8VZWlTru6SYyTM0wk0utyDrXKN_e41j_wKasbynWS88iSfi6CXs1VHE4XTqWQskHSxkBoDMFn2OncM2WF8PvPH3/s640/IMG20161128142851.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You can't go wrong with either one.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HjSpT1LIN78MWruBnRU4Y6tLV1qqmAnsJSrL08O8HpFBAzypQVLKMYLN9BoVSBi0QOd0m79y6wMiw6Z5vJqlpexRVjJY3lMVjO8mKSTurjFEcqSv_R0O7HDvxcJhcfbKyEuOkP7cL9Ef/s640/IMG20161128142912.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Sorry Londoners, this costa doesn't sell coffee. It's a clothing outlet. =P</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqv7LNQOyfkVTGs9OiXI6VkEMDtD-M646GxNpNox06FpvdVYHtQ2JLeCWXAjLgnHU1VzRpl0S8aOVXUlOmXmeaLuFdf5ktmenhAgP1oR9j3YDyXCVlEwWQG1VeyhxTAc6g0_cMKIPYZ4n/s400/IMG20161128144718.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifBVXolOnNuyplC4z_gZ3ZvBpwAAjeX6K91XCbZpqwMkxFqKVZ9luxPoSrSQbwKANTzatOYFYWOLxIpmUCX2BP5A3rOLdaKdc9Rx2RRamoOJEvfM7RdLfjyq0q7dTdvC7kqjhyphenhyphenzuGkbMz/s400/IMG20161128144955.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczoF8O-1oZ8-NbRHRkMs7TtH9FlSM9s6eJ_Re-SXKpu-vsUznVd_eXiGKrbwbvfifraQD0AflxSekPtCg87W2e0q67YYjVPzWoH15Tb7sLCR85xZEdP8GtLk14WpY8XxXZTwYkxtNd2QP/s400/IMG20161128145252.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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You just can't get enough of this canal view.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGKhdBoeArj07VJDBAFXTjbxkG-miMp5ZHIr-urwa9pmQiVHv9iH7sMvkPD-u4tKCMcysT3x9OWlEmYMdR9Xj1dJNcUzbV70yiUHTB3TgKfLi18fvw-NlxJ9o_6iDpEZriD9WzuQaitqZ/s640/IMG20161128145121.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This is the bridge of 15 bridges. If you stand here, you can actually see 15 bridges in a row!!! [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Herengracht+563,+1017+CD+Amsterdam,+Netherlands/@52.3638634,4.8950294,565m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c609951468b8d3:0x873f87c8eeecdb13!8m2!3d52.3650774!4d4.8962331?hl=en">Google Map</a>] Night view would be much better since there'll be lights at the bridge's arches. And if you can get a canal ride here, that'll be even better! My view isn't really that great, though. Sorry. </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF_69TgA9EtaxJrviISxR4NBGVfloc6JYIz8qTd8TShH2-y4-YJeFERwbOQyFkqcycqg4lWJoXx_gmqUtEmbKnJPrACx_tcgeneOkQWJbWQAQvpISk4GzCbwv8O_Yfc5TlNaFonzaOIEM/s400/IMG20161128145322.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55B86k6K0o98T-pt8HS9gNTNwGCENrHcnPbPkhp0fGdCwixKqKjnyqqWsOKUMrXVqHmQRuYWfcykWJkpylPapH7K-Z_MuoAPwM0P5jUFT4QptX6wfwtrjAWekRumw1Mm5MrGUZyKOurQ0/s400/IMG20161128145621.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Some more unique stuff you can find here in Amsterdam. The boat looked like an old shoe. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6oGfMXriPNvAlxU55k-TawTUDPy58UWyp3XyL8mSc37lnxD8BCJPB_m9nqJPBgEs2ERxDhE8_B8rPoH1yDaDmTdIdCSHx9-1IC8cMNj3sGN1fmVn3iaLyXh4On2CQ-OZVLyj1RssnaXI/s640/IMG20161128150329.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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If you can see the white fluorescent lights in the middle, that is actually one of the installations for the <a href="https://amsterdamlightfestival.com/en#intro">Amsterdam Light Festival</a>. The festival starts on the day that I'll leave for London. haha..just my luck. Nevertheless, I still did get to find a lot of their installations, and some of them were turned on before the start date.</div>
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This is supposed to resemble the corals in the deep sea.</div>
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<img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKFNnI4wq8XX7wPGQ74sna9oB-iMPyXQejHuFlEFCo1KY__ZT72dnS9cML8NQx3QNwrO6Yjlb5ZhSjkZ7-frcwME1hqLeZQr8A40LYtg8IVjl9sEtxS7go0Jk2Kvoel4SeUU2ki3S2vpX/s640/IMG20161201092249-horz.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You can read the descriptions shown in the pictures.</div>
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These are the ones that I managed to find during the time I was there.</div>
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Another place to visit is the Magere Burg (skinny bridge) [<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Magere+Brug/@52.3635666,4.9001216,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c60996f52c2299:0x52640e54bb8e1f93!8m2!3d52.3635666!4d4.9023103">Google map</a>]. The bridge was skinny when it was first built in 1691, but it was demolished, replaced and renovated many times after that and made it like it is today. The use of the bridge is only for pedestrians and cyclist and is opened many times daily to make way for boats. </div>
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You must've seen this in a video somewhere before right? If not, you can watch it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l84sYDcFRNo">here</a>. It's one of the ways GVB tried to entertain the commuters. But this tram didn't have the monster on the window. I would've made the same video if it had. </div>
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After all that fun for the day, I went back to my hotel. This is the rai convention centre where my conference will be held the next day.</div>
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That's my conference!</div>
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See the excitement. hahaha..</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR27tD8_wkxEGdNkdz8vNnT3HEdwCzMlapLLwEyVm98NCVDvczHmlr4I78Nos9gtsmntoXNcq-8WDiWynAx4hfS3-CicAdYucMzZk1UNvSSmefqO2agIIybmPkk4QYvwwbe2qgj4wwPrpP/s640/IMG20161128153206.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My hotel is just across the road. So convenient! </div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-17942368075433978222017-04-19T16:22:00.001+01:002017-04-19T16:22:18.471+01:00Mengambil lesen di bumi England.<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="f2sq9-0-0"><span data-text="true"><b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته dan selamat sejahtera semua!</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f2sq9-0-0"><span data-text="true">Pertama kali untuk saya menulis dalam bahasa ibunda secara penuh!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f2sq9-0-0"><span data-text="true">Alkisahnya adalah berkenaan proses yang saya lalui untuk mengambil lesen di sini, di bumi United Kingdom. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f2sq9-0-0"><span data-text="true">Setelah dua tahun menetap di sini, saya bernekad untuk mengambil lesen di sini selepas tamat tempoh lesen Malaysia bagi memudahkan urusan sekiranya terdapat hal2 yang menyebabkan saya perlu untuk memandu (manalah tahu sekiranya ada kecemasan satu hari nanti), lebih mudah sekiranya saya sudah ada lesen di sini. Untuk pengetahuan semua, lesen Malaysia boleh digunakan untuk memandu di sini, tetapi hanya layak untuk digunakan selama setahun. Sekiranya lebih dari itu, boleh dikenakan saman, atau ada kes saya pernah dengar, kereta mereka ditarik oleh polis dan mereka terpaksa menaiki kenderaan awam. Kalau di tengah perkampungan jadi macam ni, apalah jadi agaknya??!</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bk189-0-0"><b><u>Lesen L</u></b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="98rs3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Maka bermulalah proses mencari bagaimanakah cara untuk memohon lesen. Kalau di Malaysia, untuk mendapat lesen L, perlu hadir ke kelas teori dan menduduki ujian teori. Bila dah lulus, maka dapatlah lesen L (percubaan).</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fcim3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Di sini pula, lesen L (provisional) boleh dipohon melalui atas talian. Isi borang dan masukkan maklumat yang patut. Cuma mereka memerlukan passport original bagi mereka yang bukan warganegara. Dalam masa tiga minggu, dapatlah lesen L. Nampak mudah bukan? Lesen L ni ada banyak pantang larang mak nenek dia. Tak boleh memandu di atas lebuhraya (motorway), perlu ada pelekat L di kereta yang dipandu, sekiranya ada penumpang, perlu ada yang sudah mempunyai lesen penuh dan banyak lagi.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8cnk2-0-0"><span data-text="true">Untuk mendapatkan lesen penuh pula, perlu mula dengan ujian teori. Ujian teori di sini bagi saya susah. Mungkin sebab ada peraturan jalan raya mereka yang berlainan, atau mungkin ujian mereka tersangatlah terperinci. Jarak antara kereta (dalam meter/kaki) bila hujan, panas, salji, banyak lagi. Bila ada kemalangan, orang cedera disebabkan terbakar, apa patut buat? Kalau berdarah bagaimana pula? Bila ada kecemasan atas jalan raya, apa patut buat? Bila ada kuda atas jalan pun kena tahu apa yang perlu dibuat. Tu antara soalan yang ada. Tiada soalan untuk tengok buta warna seperti di Malaysia (yang pada saya segmen yang paling mudah dalam ujian teori). Multiple choice questions adalah segmen pertama. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d0qm2-0-0"><span data-text="true">Untuk segmen kedua, diberikan ujian yang dipanggil hazard perception test. Ujian ini berbentuk video yang memberikan visual ketika memandu. Calon perlu mengenal pasti sebarang perkara bahaya yang kemungkinan boleh berlaku, dan markah akan diberikan pada 'potential hazard' yang akan menyebabkan seseorang perlu bertindak samada memberhentikan kenderaan atau beralih arah. Contohnya bila ada orang secara tiba2 keluar simpang, atau bila ada kereta yang park di tengah jalan. Sama seperti main permainan komputer, calon perlu tekan pada 'hazard' tersebut, sekiranya terlalu awal atau lambat, markah yang diberikan adalah sedikit (1 contohnya). Sekiranya calon menekan berkali-kali, 'hazard' tersebut akan dikira sebagai 'foul' dan calon tidak akan diberikan markah. Calon akan diberikan masa sebelum ujian untuk berlatih dengan menggunakan visual latihan.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5iqkd-0-0"><span data-text="true">Apa yang menariknya untuk ujian kedua ini, visual yang diberikan seolah2 dari kamera hd yang betul2 ditangkap dari kenderaan yang sebenar, sedangkan ia hanyalah rekaan grafik yang dibuat seperti dalam permainan The Sims. Setiap detail walhal sekecil-kecil perkara seperti bekas air atas jalan raya pun dibuat dengan teliti sehingga visual dilihat seakan-akan benar. </span></span></div>
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Ujian teori ni boleh diambil untuk berlatih di atas talian. Cuba lah banyak kali sehingga dapat pass. Markah pass untuk ujian teori agak tinggi iaitu 43/50 untuk bahagian pertama dan 44/75 untuk bahagian kedua.</div>
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Di tempat ambil ujian teori, proses untuk menduduki ujian sangat ringkas dan cepat, tetapi ketat. Selepas mendaftar, perlu meletakkan semua barang peribadi ke dalam loker berkunci. Kemudian akan diberikan komputer. Masa menjawab bagi ujian akan bermula bila calon mula menjawab. Untuk ujian teori, saya terpaksa ambil dua kali kerana gagal kali pertama dengan kekurangan dua markah sahaja!!! </div>
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<b><u>Ujian Praktikal</u></b></div>
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Untuk ujian praktikal pula, sekiranya anda tidak mempunyai kenderaan sendiri, anda perlu berdaftar dengan mana-mana syarikat yang latihan memandu. Di sini, tempat ujian tidak menyediakan kenderaan sepertimana di Malaysia. Calon perlu hadir ke tempat ujian dengan kenderaan sendiri atau kenderaan syarikat latihan memandu yang dipilih. Disebabkan ada ramai 'senior' di sini yang pernah mengambil lesen, saya dapatkan maklumat syarikat yang mereka gunakan, maka berkenalanlah saya dengan Anthony, tenaga pengajar saya. </div>
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Saya mendaftar untuk mengambil dua kali latihan (3 jam setiap satu) sahaja kerana bayaran yang agak mahal iaitu sebanyak £20 sejam! Kereta syarikat yang digunapakai Anthony adalah Mini Cooper jenis manual kerana saya akan mengambil ujian kereta manual. Ini kerana sekiranya saya mengambil ujian memandu kereta automatik, saya tak boleh menyewa kereta manual kerana maklumat ini akan diletakkan di atas lesen nanti dan harga sewaan kereta automatik lebih mahal berbanding kereta manual. </div>
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Mengambil ujian semula selepas bertahun terbiasa dengan cara pemanduan sendiri adalah agak sukar. Perlu lupakan kebiasaan dan berlatih semula untuk memandu dengan cara yang betul, lebih-lebih lagi bab pusing stereng, toleh kiri/kanan sebelum signal dan banyak lagi! </div>
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Pada hari ujian, saya pun pandulah kereta Anthony ke tempat ujian (dalam 20 minit dari rumah). Tiba giliran saya, nama saya pun dipanggil untuk ikut pemeriksa ke kereta. Dalam perjalanan, pemeriksa suruh berhenti di tepi, lihat kereta yang diletakkan di seberang jalan (lebih 100 meter dari tempat saya berdiri) dan disuruh untuk baca nombor plat kereta. Kemudian sambil kami berjalan, pemeriksa tanya soalan2 seperti bagaimana nak tau kedudukan 'head rest' yang betul, bagaimana nak tau 'hazard light' berfungsi. Semua soalan ni Anthony sudah maklumkan pada saya untuk ulang kaji beberapa hari sebelum ujian dengan video ini.</div>
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Selepas tiba di kereta, ada seorang pakcik berdiri berdekatan dengan kereta mengucapkan selamat maju jaya pada saya. Bila pemeriksa lihat saya sudah bersedia, dia memberikan arahan untuk saya pandu (<i>at the junction, turn right, then turn left. Drive until the end of the road and turn left</i>). Bahagian ini dinamakan 'independant driving' di mana pemeriksa akan berikan arahan sebelum memandu. </div>
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Selepas arahan pertama yang diberikan, pemeriksa ujian akan berikan arahan contohnya untuk belok ke kanan/kiri, keluar lorong kedua dalam bulatan dsb. Bahagian ini dipanggil 'instructed driving', di mana calon perlu peka dengan arahan pemeriksa, lebih2 lagi bila pemeriksa suruh ikut jalan sekian-sekian, maka calon perlu peka dengan papan tanda jalan. </div>
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Sampai di jalan yang agak kecil, pemeriksa akan menyuruh untuk berhenti di tepi jalan. Kemudian buat salah satu 'maneuver' samada 'three-point turn', 'side parking' atau 'reverse into a corner'. Pemeriksa menyuruh saya untuk buat 'three-point turn'. Saya masih ingat semasa belajar dengan Anthony, dia menyuruh saya untuk buat 'side parking' tanpa memberikan apa2 tips sebelum itu. Saya dengan yakinnya buat cara sebagaimana kebiasaannya. Dia buka pintu untuk pastikan kedudukan kereta. Dengan kagum dia bertanya bagaimana saya pastikan kereta dalam kedudukan tersebut sebab parking yang saya buat adalah perfect. hahahaha...bangga sikit. tapi bila nak ulang kali kedua dah tak jadi. Maka, perlu untuk saya tau tips yang betul supaya setiap kali saya buat, kedudukan kereta akan tepat. </div>
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Ada salah satu 'maneuver' yang tidak semua pemeriksa akan suruh buat iaitu 'emergency brake', di mana pemeriksa hanya akan ketuk 'dashboard' dengan kuat sebagai signal untuk berhenti mengejut. Kemudian calon perlu tahu apa yang perlu dibuat seterusnya, contohnya untuk neutralkan gear, tarik handbrake dsb. </div>
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Bila hampir tiba di tempat ujian (tempat kami bermula), saya perasan pemeriksa tulis sesuatu atas kertas. Bila jeling sikit, nampak tulisan pass certificate. Masa tu dah rasa gembira yang amat. Nasib baik masih fokus untuk memandu dan berhenti dengan cara yang sepatutnya. Alhamdulillah...saya lulus! Ikut fakta dari majalah yang saya baca semasa menunggu, kadar kelulusan ujian praktikal di sini hanya 40%!! Alhamdulillah...syukuuuuuuur...</div>
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Selepas tamat, pemeriksa tanya samada nak lesen dihantar ke rumah atau ambil di pejabat, dan saya pilih untuk dihantar ke rumah. Bila pilih untuk dipos, pemeriksa akan ambil lesen L. Lesen akan dihantar dalam masa dua minggu. </div>
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Maka, berposing lah saya depan kereta Anthony dengan pass certificate. Tapi tak jumpa pula gambar dia ambil. Malu pula untuk nak minta semula. haha...maka, gambar orang lain sajalah letak dalam ni.</div>
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Sampai situ sahaja buat kali ni. Silalah baca post saya yang lain.</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-43565325482160072052017-04-18T17:10:00.003+01:002017-04-18T17:15:32.482+01:00The Battle of Hastings<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">1066 is the year marking one of the important event in the English History which is the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37595600">Battle of Hastings</a>. It marks the end of the Anglo-Saxon era.</span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">To know about where it all began. Let's watch this story telling using a map and veggies!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">The next part of the story had to be written since it was still raining when the guy continued, so I didn't want to soak my phone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">So after Harold was offered the throne of England, William was furious since Harold promised that he would be offered the crown, and since Harold made a promise while holding the sacred bones, it was like he had broken a promise to God as well. William told the pope and the pope wasn't very happy with this. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Other than Duke William of Normandy contesting to the throne, there was also Harald Hardrada of Norway, and Harold's brother, Tostig joined forces with Harald after he was exiled. To make this story short, the Saxon faced threat from the north (Norway) and south (Normans). The battle with the Norway occur in East York which called the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25th September 1066. After winning that battle, Harold lead his army towards the south to fight the Normans that had landed at Pevency in Sussex.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Well, the short version is the Saxon was defeated by the Normans and Duke William became the new King of England. This important event gave a lot of changes to the English history and gave birth to new things such as the monastery, cathedrals and many more. Read more <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hastings">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">Since the troops of King Harold stopped in London for a week before heading towards Hastings, this march also camped here in Hyde Park (it wasn't for a week though, only a day). And the rest was history, literally. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_0wFAGhlwxENTCgoOwx-NX_3CyqFNetbu22BeK1RCRuB0DPk68HP7mryY9fDcgwvLauoA_PL-mS_ll5PGTPlkmc5gavSjfsssB_z0yuPSNIuRIWkFC1iZ2KGFcZiU8CkQ5ckaUzMxstX/s640/IMG20161008124554.jpg" style="color: black; font-size: medium;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">During this reenactment of the historic event, there were demonstrations on pottery making, the medieval version of medicine (more like witch doctors), blacksmith, leather stitching, shoe making and many more. Everything was authentic and as it was used during those days.</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr5mCAc8Sfjo5dwXnTe2QmqDafzZ8Wy12UBChkks9YvGOEHuGxAQaFpQO4Gt5Kn8L1cdjIYukxotLJP_Km6FAPgYSEcqzjNAkVMf2DYZOS9OOSWwccOBRwtZGAuMr8iR22upjBjRSVa5A/s640/IMG20161008133854.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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It was a great way to learn about the English history and heritage. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW32OMGkc4-CkSsJz8-WQMd8zd9jt1iDbgupj1zKnnwH2YooF1BaThr64_7BFnaqv-VTjJtf5h7T2P3NDW2ZbwBFLOhiGzt99yDOc4W89a0hwLo_VUJw_RCISn_qmj_EIRpjQkjk2q4Mc7/s640/IMG20161008134555.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LC7UepXjUySy0fSLLwsSeQpFNa9nGw5-nbnvNjONzx6BHiEz9w4vbtRVW1x3CgA9F83jUGTiYCpaGUa4vJTdqOHdidmumLk8YtsKsoboSeKUugcvHuno_yJ38o_63J6DGbJ3xe2ht3kO/s640/IMG20161008143048.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I've written this last year when the event was held, but it was left in my draft for so long, until a few week ago, someone reminded me of it. That person shared a rather interesting history of England, where the natives of this place are actually the Celts. During 55 BC, the Romans, led by Julius Caesar first invaded Britain and forced the Celts to where they are now (Ireland, Scotland and Wales). </div>
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After the Roman empire invaded Britain, the German tribe called the Anglo-Saxons gave a threat and wanted to invade Britain, which they did from the 5th to 11th century. That era is known as early medieval England. As mentioned in the video, the chronology of these events were retrieved from Bayeux Tapestry, such as this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1l_w9keIi5o_tYvsTirevq21bO5VxBoG_kNLrpPWfSDhQ2rfePfEhyTfhSC2rYNxvCGtjmeNRlnzQ7pghGYaMzg203sVgFTw1-BbEEe7xLPngly5OzRvmjczbMzzLPMf0G2-DR6nW9xla/s640/Bayeux1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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England is one of the country that is rich in history. Even if you don't really like history so much, it'll be a waste not to know the past.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;">“Study the past if you would define the future.”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"> </span>― <a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15321.Confucius" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Confucius</a></span></h2>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-32865636200079070742017-01-12T23:55:00.002+00:002017-01-13T00:06:52.329+00:00My First Solo Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I know I haven't updated my blog in a while, it's been a pretty crazy few months. It<span style="font-family: inherit;">'s going to be a back forth postings of Amsterdam and Germany. hahaha...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">So <span style="font-family: inherit;">a few months a<span style="font-family: inherit;">go</span></span>, I had the opportunity to go to a Cell and Gene Therapy Conference in Amsterdam. The conference was free of charge since I received a free PhD student pass from Imperial College London. The cost of the conference alone was supposed to be £500!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">My travelling and accommodation expenses were supported by my bench fees (though I did all of these behind my supervisor's back since she wouldn't have let me go in the first place). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I was so excited to go to my first ever conference. I booked an early morning flight (7 am to be exact), so I had to be at the airport by 6 am! My bestie could only send me up to Liverpool Street since it'll cost too much for her to go with me to Stansted Airport. This would be my first time to Stansted Airport. If you've never been to London before just so you know, all airports in London are relatively small. I think KLIA is way bigger than any airport in London. They all look relatively the same to me. I'm mostly more familiar with Gatwick and Heathrow. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.2px;">Moving on, I touched down at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport 10 minutes earlier than the ETA. Since my check-in time was at 3 pm, I decided to walk around the city and see the sights first. I have been to <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/amsterdam-canal-cruise.html">Amsterdam</a> before, but I didn't really walk around the city that much. Since I've already been to <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=keukenhof">Keukenhof</a> and <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/zaans-schans.html">Zaans Schans</a>, which is located on the outskirts of the city centre, I will take this opportunity to really see the sights within. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.2px;">When I came for the conference, I actually made a mistake thinking that it supposed to start on Monday when it actually started on Tuesday. So When I arrived on Sunday, I actually had two whole days to walk around and see the sights. Before I came, I actually did a bit more research than my first visit since I only followed my friend. After I arrived at the Central Station, I put my bag in the hold luggage locker (cost me<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">€7) </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-BvtbSVyPld2vBCtl3UsHKOAMdqa5XgX_8V5Q3WmMz8-3ErDoX2yTf1GzVCnP_MvDBFGOzsqypqwkbDsEjys7v520Vl56t4kdsNh9acVVmzz7e-DtkVMjrpvDbj2PIqj4EMogy-lMiVV/s640/IMG20161127102147.jpg" width="640" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then I</span> head to the <span style="font-family: inherit;">harbor</span> to ride the free ferry towards the IJ-zijde.</span></span></div>
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The ferry is what's connecting the central Amsterdam with Amsterdam-Noord.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI09w8O8NbCdS5sgAGFWaj4zQATHRG0UBBsDwnNH8cldmwyKUYb4z3cG2RUF8F-E6AXuYpATcpdFzGgAjSjm73SGfUMZRmZO_3VDjO_a3DDP3kbJqcPB7EHm4xbXYmNFkmL9bDTRWl9t7Z/s400/IMG20161127102750.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpqSKZIjcT6nRDhDfteGJs4uT0DCV0qxWEcWiKm_6LGWtN-Nqk40-81HFgLxRwcH7Y3ZvN8Qwrh-O77mLLHsQKQIydysxZkctKj9X0S5Vt2u0NCl_2h0jatS-N63AoIt_vNQh9bKPYTVb/s400/IMG20161127103609.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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The white building is the Eye film institute, a museum. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBm9ZC5-tPh_gi5AssLCrxHzoPsPJ-EcHAjEOdsHBdCsamXL5MucR1MX0oY-E4iPmDVHyCFGNvJeFeqOc4L6lDnucKMJN_0jXb-mFOwiwqAZ99HIsl_r6z54ti6TBeLc7iXbEQO9ahFJ7P/s640/IMG20161127102958.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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And this tower is the A'DAM lookout point. The circle shows the swing.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJERZ2-ndx9uBO70JEJBFbql587j3887GmN13HwvTy5XZGoFid7LgDxh7Ns3P7B33EhPmvnxZI0THVpWZazhdvpb-b8HND20ZpyBD9htOpdj7YRwcKqYB8DRu8b5Z5zF9J6anurhtG-Wb/s640/IMG20161127104917.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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The lookout point opened at 10.30am, which was just in time as I arrived and the swing opens at 11am. So I needed to wait half an hour before I can ride it. As I went up, there's this chair </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENZ-tJ1X_5TZIidqOH9DqYSgFypQAD7T0jNiwYAJTVFAb7xDHkEqGZRTyaGMdYM51kdADkgls7-HfOCvuLR-GHFrSwN2z2jow-jvvie1MN3yD_Sq9sGvYykVHysPsuDDHlZIVKCi0Enot/s640/IMG20161127103921.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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And a photo booth where you can capture pictures on a beam. This will be the end result.<br />
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<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0_sy8_rVW29YJMB84bjzqJ5U1Q0EDicCnIUjTlEKqvzm-52F6Qu7r3AyIjEEwbpka8tDbwEH2o64Get67W3MG3JRhJcWeJqF1GF4FJzG4cFJyPzlGRKImXnLBRWNmSFMqXoYXcNTbpHm/s400/1930c331-eeaf-4d62-bacf-d6a73c136652.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs1fl9IoKc_NSZuL1vguuN6C7MlJG9MBn3tb692pWFe_tN3p2AzUUOb3wMH6CebL71HcZAv0laNQmAgNQUgfFfvkK06eEwbIPjcyBV_yh25jy1i6YKGxUMjQMK2vq2xYhgfOw0MUeu1TA/s400/26bd9af8-1cc9-4f98-b443-68fad6a70f80.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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haha..some people even hangs. It'll look awesome though. You need to pay for the hardcopy photos, but the softcopy ones are free to access online. They'll give you a card with the link to retrieve the photos.</div>
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You'll need to take a lift to go to the rooftop. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYTXG2_lXT31dkTHx4UZ-FDYR_-9ZahiEZX1Vck0bXgia7cOOmKomZDWO5qQrbIldDtPT-7eIlMGJMtWlRRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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The lift takes you directly to the top floor. </div>
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<img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6spJguZIYVBJnfGeRjSNPR4ajo2PQhjUze19HVUVTtItL29IzxwihabFM0ZnnJKZA7fLeQI1Y4Cd-pIpSsxOaCwFd8uzPl7T8T23SzgGp_bZghMIam8KZfTv83_WmoKGg2xTpbrsj17BU/s640/IMG20161127104751.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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As I reach the top, I can see the swing, suddenly I got chills, aside from the already freezing wind. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_6m0yc95pr4UTNTXjBcph2S6f3at1tMLdmSKpttS7P9zjh4U95yqIFjaigNvG7p_zTof-GUV0MdVdb4EBDKLcWHX7i4hyphenhyphenMaaaxuNfEQC7ZRIickXkY38Uojfklagw3BbojxrqZE4IaK3/s640/IMG20161127104859.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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This is what the swing is called. This swing is relatively new. It was just opened just a few months before I was in Amsterdam. Lucky!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GKBLGlAejVOKl9rT1gGA-7jNLR0f9Q2TJIAap4-lYtETEChrj10pHeAVk0oJmYnFfZRGlARU-vmMlzN1EzB0qo_glhPzVhrsrhi6yk0U72nT6YqKc6PLzVHLjygAkRnmRYhncKQlopTU/s640/IMG20161127105000.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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While I was waiting, I took some amazing panoramic views. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcSk58V8RTQA23ReYrltISw9sg9NSOxG1bQx4ERV5KldzoREPeVbTfq54Sv_aSat-ePV6D4t6FFteEroQbztTUqxsZ2UMxh5NvMuTo-WOkmTa7zrNZiqtkUDmCvaiK5iW69BadLei0tHQ/s640/IMG20161127105104.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Some people think the XXX means porno (since Amsterdam is so famous for their pornographies and red light district), but it is actually the city's "coat of arms". </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo08MUIM7gqbHrRNIK3XJdE2xspksFGI8bvSWOB2ZyaMMjEqeGTVNARlE-nqwdKX6qGlDNrYBZUyfdhi1Qe2w7KimPw4uCoOt1jIG2PzB0ORESEtDOB_8oo4h6w7Zl000AGI-zSFICSnI/s640/IMG20161127105218.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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The symbol was chosen and put on their flag over 500 years ago. Which is such a coincidence it is also the shorthand for adult entertainment. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdmNe7zWi7L6Srpx6QsbZksPXVuLVE2CQnEQAG-fLUyhUCZDPgqvN9luBRHMsG77iBdurYmlehg7fBF21K78o-ab_XCwru0oMivwgz9WMFfnhPZhwcpnhPCbiRSXDjS3wIDSwPM4ocGve/s640/IMG20161127105834.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Apart from that point, the view from up here is absolutely stunning. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy69T7PP7WM2_uJcXKIcwAPOcWQs8YYEeNwoPpGRaLDxYcvXiWSyOq-g1tQfUBZvV_B1805kfO-CMKhB2B9te64WSG3zKMfkEncaSn_ZPeiUVMBzl25rN8reQLP2-nTd9TdFygw5_Jr7Sd/s640/IMG20161127110028.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Amsterdam sign on the Central Station. </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzmwesL18J4_Ded2vi40pHi1GjikeAbvOcsIg_qKrTJdhoiSfxr8JQ0_Tacu5uRQ7vn2MyKx4XXIjRAklPta7h7igX2-NLDFpqncsHtVY8r6GW8F-odimTv2q_V1ajTiwe4D4nDWDNd6p/s400/IMG20161127111237.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDViVmdZH0yYjzWvCv4va0jtcp921-JgM9MfrOJG9y2wv1jGv_JzKXOUdoXCGv32mMAFb_2-J-cN0d-LFlGkAwqgypYsjhvZokt8AZK9ozxrtms7t7fZA98zd2uxKQIlivp0G7chokgrs/s400/IMG20161127111340.jpg" width="300" /> </div>
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As soon as the swing opens, I queued up since there are a few people there already. The guy attending the swing was super nice. He sat me by myself on one swing</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBmPJUmLzMGtr8e0eDBnWlbA_b2c8WznNNOwxTbpMLx6KgglA2vlq-fUFzfvWcHwQgYYeUAuDwudh7EEIrd5oFhG7QPLRZLUnt42cOoB16Vy3Wxl6shCIhtl7q66owA9f9hfv8dYv3LDm/s640/IMG20161127111357.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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He even offered to take pictures and videos of me. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyd7GQjyNJNFxTIQgaT1dx9DFPefWIC76EDG5fduqwMOTVPQqZFjml09yJeyid9sriOYjIcs0aWIlKhaKN_vg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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The swing lasts for 7 minutes. It may seem short, but as the girl at the front desk said, once you're up there, it'll be just the right time. Luckily, the wind wasn't blowing too hard when I was swinging.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxa3Le5Avgkrz2vR2Wj6-s9j1yGtAJWrdSz_KJ7lVxWh0InqoR1MQ4WfLVqbMpTjhDVKZSaM0X3xyno6sc8qL7mTQsIT1HpgAEKkuDWOKX9S-baUfAfgY6V1hsalR7qCGziMxneUzmaYuM/s640/IMG20161127112306.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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This picture was displayed at the gift shop. It was sold out, so I only managed a picture of it. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewKIlS33qWRh85E1p6lFixCarXc-Rab3Vcqbdc36vaJe0i9NtbsIBgnZ6WIJYk6vjlRAmkNDKUA99kGgMkXKSvdbpTkcA7wzerTjRDpFNj0ZWlxMN68uyXQbXO2XE_3QtJElj_mEkHRro/s640/IMG20161127112802.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Afterwards, I took a stroll around the area </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThPfEv1EtyFu9zi5spAtRvNGES_qnLGP0Kk2rVyphXSO_Gs-bCru_eztLmvA5Q3-tRu_iZ8K42ZjZS2k5IGhdTY68KLjZq5B8SWe20vLlIywWyVnjQFl8QU67M0s5tR1wR0YoWQZP3R2x/s640/IMG20161127113359.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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The tower look a bit short from down here, but it's not once you're up there. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSJ9z1pxzFt2XFJP6F6NZm-ji1B9spyTNuHb028I80iEGkxodTB5NHS3Gw0czxOxBol4gFw034Pp4TH8oENOdqv_Nz-F1ACvyBpMMC8ImYOUJjk4SAIGGhOdwkysr858F2RzDCjqMZE3r/s640/IMG20161127113620.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Another interesting point here is the I amsterdam sign. I found out there's three sites with this sign, and this is one of them with fewer people around. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0GKxwqI8rbVxdRW_Zv0pEcSS-67T4OXOYQggW2Hs2PoL4jNrSQkO7NSwsUCVKPm9FHXrirLJSiY5Z4Ln4vU0KwarO2CuwYRzWirYgwDhfwMaYHDRj-4vohlmv2J8YDeKCTKRp-JYHORT/s640/IMG20161127113920.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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So if you want to avoid the crazy crowd, you can get a picture here instead.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_mMuoI6qVvu1FoyYUVmSPcmTdwltcGZODLTXSJlWlD9hvrTTYeKbLWbhKHAD5R1ieLwTnNZOPIhLHPNUACSInn_E0Xc2T0l6HAcYPJb_x7GExkTLT96EsaTCsGTzhVUhhL6hHb-BTHHt/s640/IMG20161127113947.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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So serene.. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIzlT-7g3n0vcLlYlt_sPLm7yhoeyisUYsDStmnRKwRv4KJEvHO8KCtuhEnOfob6ZEtlIVvpxKGW0QH0P-dGRkvDx6NMc88ZktlUsLIc1Om1bEptxkju9U49RTOxos0FZS_Dpna8QNDMZ/s640/IMG20161127114302.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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These boats were birthed near the lookout tower. Felt like jumping on and act like a pirate. =P </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrOTMwpEQrq54f-k7boEfwdUhsG3ejAN7lkyiKf7OuE_pxLCvyXGEcZB2V0wo_asg5bxQ7wkUdeZ8pd7_cR-RLz2WdDJZzGRuwb8DV9_L4ZK-dImaWlKzzwLT2_yJ33iDg9buMxiPRIVP/s400/IMG20161127120511.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFX3SYkVYh_oK7tmpQX-TPfu5zKQaRCtm83nqislFqTI-1vp7AQwBjDRXSIkF6-eDYrVa3LcTDY65pZnYeFisBwWJ6VzbbKB12vkJNfPhbav1M2-z8N5_nJD6lT4kcw9P-H21azOelxS1/s400/IMG20161127120906.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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The central station. I've lost count of the pictures I took in front of this place. Always a pleasure. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj_zBmMGX4E7HJL6dGq7Me92hMQRhE2CZ28-OkhVADiJRAkZr9v1ubgFyCsXOqEZiQdf4XVFcJrV6UfueaLRcvSfENBc9983VfZZgYXuNwv6zd-MdHnd6YxwYkHY_42Wf3ToJ_OqQCTmD/s640/IMG20161127121328.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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I bought a 48 hours pass that allows me to ride any public transport around the city. The best way to travel here is by tram.</div>
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<img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_YnggdqvyWxfFBFWa3ah5jmTkliBzznJh3MuD_DRiIzc-PpU1i_wgBDW7iw5aC4Ab4OmpZYfkH9HKHfrnh9IbDEfdxU_1LIcZ9vPpTkO1UKpk7qsFuY1kNxOqD3-BbznEY3udgeMcdHQ/s640/IMG20161127122016.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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The first place I want to visit was Anne Frank's house. If you don't know who Anne Frank was, google it. Literary buff should know. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhcgiByD37dMZWLLB_d5BY5X_h0lkVowrpBvcPTH-GmSm2QfeU2g0U_CeIhUbCSct-xDbpjoBN273j5c4MI9n6N_6EX9fVAhQkIEQReEzy-BoEolz9OglKp_d7FjQ_S_hb2OG2fiecXkM/s640/IMG20161127121955.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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This water fountain can be seen all over the city. Not too much of them, but convenient enough especially if you're in need of a drink. Great for birds.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_axMfmNlhcQuA5nz4Al0_r0j9fLa8MM2Rd9QSYZZYgUHZ1YE2hQLDXTkXW3lC7ujLCvs1I-Pmp1Bwk2mizGsmBNrW5k5GzFZHE6rgDJso78XBiaUMi5ozS-lZ6PxA2YDVO1dhtHAz_kM/s640/IMG20161127122101.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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Can anybody translate this please?? </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDej3R8QOhQIPagdFAStp2hyphenhyphen6I45P3z43OwVJv7jFUHM7UtLO6z_4hkQwHpRIRnBEUuqxgV7Bb42vCtKIz4zqTZM2hiBmb8pSkBzdf5i1DTcSNIX8rjRfnay_Gp7vml6XZ6kVV4tHzzr1w/s640/IMG20161127122215.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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The view in front of Anne Frank's house. Gorgeous! </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF37EK_mdgXbMPpz7BWrLzh2cB-2TgOPBDRNNv0YJyhW51GZNlSTtm2DGSy_TsC50s_8F5ya9cx2Ni7ftyCS3OLrggBARqvNYYCNsdBBWvEgGkHlJoBVJh-OFvbhHh1ipxDFqRVOowIEH/s640/IMG20161127122437.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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This is not the house. It's the museum. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7uu4CIIOUb4gAnjsc4lUdqbuPumKqU2dtupXBIwTLdLBnEUOPG-0oqhf71oO26J83oLCJDy1qRIlbz9xOSjrOOR9c_AAP4MDfZiDDgFd_9IqOCmMlNNWCke2z1NGk7a4umLEbtFcf80F/s400/IMG20161127122503.jpg" width="300" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtf6m1OrIRu6LxX3mIFyomJ-JUp1JUXXElJCB77zhEIFQ8htScUy9w3GXtlShdHlF546u52hSEVjlGVi-6WYDNlDFOUpeHYRL1GjXXp837tOQqOJe0tTT_g6sPB2YuExaXJOARzbhzlhl/s400/IMG20161127122510.jpg" width="300" /> </div>
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This is said to be the house. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ-COuqyOpk_2rhSsx1xmSkVphPSf33nFlF61U2KaNfRyylZZ4me8GyZhtbA-VxOjsT-t-5vPXTPhvPZWrpQiN8iS7i6IuchHIAj7T3WQBdERvsqHvL_AbL8exvdjt30H8QLAV7OJbsMP/s640/IMG20161127122809.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Since Amsterdam is a city surrounded by canals (other than Venice), of course you'll see loads of pictures of it. =D </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSKM94l1fyUg8D90T89EeKOo0fVsCe6dC3G84HAXBfZO3SC4qEKr-E-zpckLNoQ6YwQFRjhyphenhyphen0HLjDNIVpSPmL-3RaR4BzV33B5RLTOwu_KDyJMzIk720XjnJqGoJoS0gRQtNIykOWT0NB/s640/IMG20161127122852.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Near Anne Frank house, there's many museums such as the Tulip Museum </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYBx0jrlX1MioY-lk1blYNjDH-njL6KsgFJA_xQDgn7rlbOqRiJR5Uk__NdCTtBCIck0GCL7Wgu4uI68QDsam3WR_x88Uqr6cCM8qe-JMJEmwLIxIUBbFmZLuWzIPT8aGJc_DxU5DivPn/s640/IMG20161127122920.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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I find this inscription interesting. Did you know that the tulips are not actually from Amsterdam? Amazing how they made it theirs and people often associate Amsterdam with tulips. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiHCWFNrXK8PJLiUc60XIwdINDjQRFPgO7vj1nBrmAM2b8l8rwglKGdxcVxLMfmyOEPBiz6_-22YD419LP2-QOApYYSUUPE-ygo7JvlrhUubL6aprMewiofaUefu3Xcbh_3TzZv0TDDB9/s640/IMG20161127123003.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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Then there's this cheese museum. It smelled in here, but the cheese are terribly awesome! </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstWz2bMcdQOzSzo9_Pz-AJAKBjl4qc_s0k1vsX38Eu0XnqOi6r01WDGctFHWzdmJS9FRHjpeeY3BLRN_4CrsFrvVt5TTu2Lnn5223B7wJZohyphenhyphenoERM17Bo3fzeuAhRkjINXcaTX8NyjQa1/s640/IMG20161127123103.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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and more canals... </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFSGwVcQQAeaabr0889oaaY6iHn64fWn2SImFtl4QJLy-1Filw26Hr11-5S_DWcbya-dxqeG76zGpI57ZE-MWYv0vGdi498vgBHmfYtjjUSSAHLp1FfzQQIUOmCIpL5DdaBO4guj2K1kW/s640/IMG20161127123755.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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From the tram stop Marktstraat, this tall tower building is the first thing you'll see. It's actually a church. I discovered something interesting in front of it on another day, which I'll tell you in another post. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDfaYl5xelfIPh2JZXsD_kpvrJQdx0qPU5qSU61J-FHX8sGWb6QR2wPi8WHLGmrF49iJ9IkLzGkguGBLbenR5dlPOouoldWtGlZnw0poirMxKzGjPFP7QSxtbeHlYeoWLZqLG7wGRzret/s640/IMG20161127130102.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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This is actually the castle, but the view from the back. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNewdyHzvE3522ytEqVSbx_0rPXGT03eWiQGjTHrSWllK_D9vbDNwhW2CMOG396btUx6aSnfxx94IFxzkdgQaMMVDesUL7KiXNJJsAyZFBfvbkAHq0oNjxoauqTbmYeQa3qkNnLeeK6Pv/s640/IMG20161127131546.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Later on, I took the tram to Rijksmuseum. I didn't go to any of the museums here since you have to pay to enter and the queue is looooong.. </div>
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Of course, a picture at the all famous sign. This is what it looks like during peak hour. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7v_9Jm7CqmwQNQ5ssJ49HiDIuQhP2663KfWpbypbmBCBIL-Rl4ujsTa4-h-kdlHm4H93feGnTmzXOQF4fKau15XsbJihg3YCTgXdR09IcRwVLqgG-DuXWUvVtS_eNMLzmSnHFhg56Ye-/s640/IMG20161127131807.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Those people sitting on top of the letters doesn't seem to want to get down. Nothing you can do. hahaha...</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwog6j59Gi1wMSgvUReoXQSJCDVa07Al7RJPmGXShK9qmRroXOYjNLQd1qlmTTHQpAEYCvTEEmquRUozEH_tdlbGqe_hAn7yb2xs0NJ_n4mvnxhQKkuK9LKnpzQryQD01FV3QHLxYNnKX7/s640/IMG20161127132116.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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During other times, this area is actually a fountain. During winter, they covered it up to make an ice rink. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4jILFuFkp_y3q3-79ezlXvZo3RhH06xtxaE0pLYQJ6zqLPr2-ErE8W5H7ItTT3eeOt0oCztyOune6iGc4nfrGoMPTKzvBQTjtYOUmpf3g9nReqs4dTJ1wZWyU2ROOpx5lf_-eauBp698/s640/IMG20161127132215.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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A better view I guess... </div>
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These kids are playing hockey at the famous I amsterdam <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/amsterdam-trip.html">sign</a>. I can't even stand straight while skating, how did they managed to play hockey...I want that... </div>
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Afterwards, I just took one last stroll around the park since I wasn't in a hurry.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74SvLw0ZSrTqlFDxwWsdYko502GpWaSndOWORwHi0nDQiSWr1MyrC6wk91e9k6xbYpi3UO-sgmE5p2Pwpu31ro1Ds4_DN5vzSL1QL7lLQtVti4U0jQZQOljxfImmJegGauJ7yFf1MqHuG/s640/IMG20161127132458.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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The Van Gogh museum at the back. So sad I didn't get to enter. The last time I went here they were under renovation.</div>
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After I got tired, I head to my hotel, Motel one. This is the nearest hotel I could find through Expedia, and they weren't kidding. The picture on top is the Amsterdam Rai convention centre. The hotel is just across the road. </div>
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<img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbNMlvh9lI0rS2pmOzZ2VLo2Aat3YEpQgNE_vqH8CMhm_C9nSzqnTm6WS2KYSXDSJ3by80YpZ_ncIdO5yGPgxhFkfPqoJLxzRgspP6W8kZ4SYE0cAfvX6hm_vIdi_3RxgP3S3MWLEl9Cq/s640/IMG20161127163653.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Yup..it's huge. There are multiple venues, gates here. One can get lost. I planned to look around to know where my conference would be a day before it starts. </div>
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That night, I didn't have anything to do. Rather than getting bored in the hotel room, might as well walk about the city. Winter time is always filled with many decorative lights. </div>
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The central station again...hahaha </div>
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My friend asked me to talk about the different experience I have since I've been to Amsterdam before, but with friends, and this time, I went by myself. The most difference that I felt was the first time I went was with a car. We did park and ride the tram to enter the city, but we didn't really go around the city that much and experience a lot of the public transport. This time, everything I relied on the public transport. </div>
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The second one was that I spent more time in Amsterdam this time. So I get to see a lot more of the city this time, and see other places I didn't get to go before. The downside (for me) when being a lot is taking pictures of yourself. You have to be bold to ask other people to take pictures of you, or better yet, bring a selfie stick. Luckily I don't like taking pictures of myself. Only on certain occasions. </div>
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Third, traveling alone will teach you to be independent, and to trust yourself a bit more. I've never had a problem finding my way, but there are times that I did get lost since I don't have internet connection on my phone or my phone died (my friends know this happened to me a lot). So this is where your instinct comes, or maybe some might prefer asking for directions instead. People in Amsterdam has an excellent command in English, so communicating will not be an issue. Maybe should try in a non-english speaking country later on. haha...</div>
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That's about all I can think of right now. It's 12am already and this was a while back, so I can't recall a lot of things already. I will do another solo soon, hopefully. Not intentionally, only if I have a conference and needed to go alone. All of which will be a great lesson for me, I'm sure.</div>
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I'll tell you about other days later on...until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-20888859472521056452017-01-11T22:51:00.000+00:002017-01-11T22:51:05.525+00:00Winter 2016 trip! part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Disclaimer: It's gonna be a long one. =P</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">My cousin, her aunt/uncle and friend came to visit before Christmas. This cousin of mine is more like a big sister than a cousin, since we have been so close ever since I was born. Her mum, my aunt, used to breastfed me because her son is only a year older than me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">They came on the 22nd and stayed until boxing day (you need to spend boxing day in London, of course), and planned to go to Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Czech Republic on the 27th. They had been planning for months. My bestie and I just tagged along. We didn't plan anything from transportation to accommodation to places of interests. We just bought our plane tickets and laid back. This would be the first trip that I had no involvement whatsoever in planning it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">On the 27th, we took a very early flight to Nuremberg, Germany. We didn't even get a good night sleep since we needed to go to the airport by 4am. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">K. Yong and her many..many nganga (mouth open) poses. LOL </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">We landed in Nuremberg around 9am and immediately go to the car rental company. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">What did I tell you...ahaks! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">My cousin had made a booking earlier, but to our luck, they messed up and had no cars for us. My cousin said that she could not except her reason and just saying sorry, since it would do us any good and asked the girl to find us a car, even if she had to ask from other companies, which she did.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Before the bad news of no car available. Still very happy and upbeat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">We finally managed to get a car by Sixt, which turned out to be a lot better than the one we booked, with better price! There's always a reason when something happened, innit?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">As you might know, Europe drives on the right hand side, with the driver being on the left hand side of the car. I've driven before in <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/amsterdam-trip.html">Amsterdam and Brussels</a>, but this time our driver is K. Yong. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">We head directly to Lucerne, Switzerland. It takes about 4 hours of driving. Pffft! With all the mumbo jumbo of the rental cars took us back a couple of hours. To drive in Switzerland, you have to buy the billette (kind of like road tax) before the border. It costs us </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;">€38! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was quite expensive if you ask me.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The billette can be used for 17 days. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">We've already stopped somewhere in Germany to buy groceries since everything in Switzerland are expensive. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">We arrived in Lucerne as it was already dark, so we just wanted to check into our bnb and have a rest. Funnily enough, as we arrived, there was another bump, a misunderstanding in the booking. The guy that was waiting for us was surprised to see so many of us and said the room that we booked is only for 2 people. We were shocked and thought, where else are we going to sleep? If at the hotel, surely it will drill a hole in our wallets. The guy called his boss, told her what happened and we showed our booking confirmation (which is why it is important to bring them with you). Luckily, they have another apartment that can fit 5 people. There were six of us, but it doesn't matter since we can just squeeze in. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">It turned out, that apartment is somewhat like a penthouse. As you went up the elevator, it'll take you directly to the apartment. Just watch this video so I don't have to post a lot of pictures of it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">It was huge!!! There's one bedroom with one king size bed and a single bed on the side. The living room has a sofa bed. Huge flat screen tv (not that we're going to have time to watch anything). The bathroom was very nice with a skylight. Huge storage space.The kitchen even has a steamer. I mean..who put a steamer at a bnb?? I would live here if it was mine.They even have a porch, which I only went out to the next morning. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">I don't want to talk much about the place since I didn't have any info about it, but if you like, I could ask my cousin about it. Just email me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">Moving on..we went around the city that night before going to bed. We stopped at the Chapel Bridge and took some night sceneries pics.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">Playing 'rebut tiang' in the cold. Ignore the jammies trousers. Didn't bother to change before going out. </span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">After
wearing ourselves out, we went to bed and head out early the next
morning after breakfast (my first trip with complete meals, every time
too!). I need to stop here since it has been too long of a post already. Here's a sneak peak of the next one...</span> <br />
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tada.....until next time..</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-18223369677628162652016-12-22T13:08:00.001+00:002016-12-22T13:09:23.750+00:00From C&R to C&R Izakaya<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">It has been so long that I've updated this blog, it seemed so rusty now. So, I thought the best way to start again is to talk about food. haha...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Last weekend I met up with a friend, and of course, usually meeting friends equals to food. She suggested that we go to a Malaysian restaurant called C&R at Bayswater. So we planned to meet at Malaysia Hall for Asr prayer since Asr is around 1.30pm now and we walked together to the place. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">I've seen the place before many times, but never really had the chance to eat there. I know where it is located, so we walked and when we passed the store, I asked my friend, 'this is it right?' </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Then we looked up to the sign, it has changed, but I still saw the name C&R. even though the font become smaller and the larger word is Izakaya. </span></span>According to my friend, the place has been refurbished. Since I haven't actually been here, I took her word for it.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujlzc3XYCoyybifOqwa7zWzg_LgHmjWm5x6_XY6ns9qnRMqRBR-VhZIctY-2nSq3ECsrcteqU8gpzSWlJLeReTN9FjJT83_Q4r9ovSgFyBx4hkU2s6sCg2Ej1qKHwruCHkSQMn_DIr0Qu/s400/10470976.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1t6AT8eAn00FkA7S6NEPqm7OyXO-QabTXH4VlmNk6YjEwkao9ZYTOJxzfSl0TzerFqo72MaoBzCfKr5dDQV4R_NzzCCuy5PBfSUVc8SArj9RkZycr5usQ48v11G5aHqNkSqvk9dogLoq/s400/restaurant_slide_1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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This is what it looks like then.... This is what it looks like now</div>
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The ambience of this place has changed since they changed the furnishing. It felt as in a fine dining restaurant, very comfy.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnza24bMmxik4BtKr9Nf7xCTEbSo-MFbT5CwBRAZZIRmK3qwLWmS-deIpJcpmpgw5j5XcR5iCRNID4jbIJB-QttjzzDMC1CLR8cMAF6ep4PWLne-yYzqNwFwkv9H2KoivPfxFsm_N0dGv/s640/IMG20161218141140.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Even the menu has been changed. The main dish is now Japanese, not Malaysian anymore. I thought the price was a bit high at first, but after we received the dishes, the portion was huge and suitable for the price.</div>
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These were the things that we ordered. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdha0uQMJJ43r46t_84EvIs0y2pgTazaZ62-KoovpmOrvxlJdSMBML15xfi8KZYYCuTYGIQZzMEm-Vkhde7aP1kCBD24YH6qnqdbFO3lRBTgNKwGmPSDZDn781zKkJU4-XAD9I_FYNynM3/s640/IMG20161218142600.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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These are mocktails. Non-alcoholic cocktails. They do serve alcohol at this establishment, so choose carefully. The pink one is called the pink lady (the only ingredient I could recall is cranberry..haha..) and the next one is with lime, honey and soda. Very refreshing!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAD_2xSHrAMNmrl3oGidCFcSv2Lcvw1v6zLwO7hY8-to23vmg8x2MLfDrY5O7awzn-FFVUiNVp6iDFbgivCpP_Iz12f2JRUAuGfUcJLJEwVlYTa76K-m2KgFP7TkQSrAwWmXf3B7ogmHY/s640/IMG20161218142920.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is eel. I've eaten eel before which I love, but these two friends of mine never tried them before. So, I insisted they tried some. It was delicious, but they still need a bit more to get used to it. LOL</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-I29Hh5WYly_K_-XZthCxDMZA0SH_9TV6taGpquDByZe2M5Y_jFfIL1A0s8iz3c6IjUxtVp8EekL87dVulenoGyKJ2h00mmigbgC9zz0KiiMIWkbGeAhI5RuJ8jSzxDFL7cfg4nMu4fD/s640/IMG20161218143111.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is my dish which is seafood ramen. The dish is in a somewhat huge bowl, filled with A LOT of seafood. Yummeah!!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpC1Me6BdYYsX8o3Vf5HNvocol4u7QCdG4eJAwChWMEJW_vPsUVN8Oyd4TZqbhCk6JJHqt-QFiBy3UQIq9CSCEnGX1yXa6G1Zo2pVNxWSbFiisMJAeuQhv3S7cJUWtoh2180iNyaLOvcn/s640/IMG20161218143427.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is my bestie's dish, spicy ramen. It is quite spicy but just nice for someone with pallet like ours. Filled with beef.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfJ9fvRj7GwnCGHjuV4EAu30s3DXj5pqEsPVVEcCS90VYiEq9LHwIg4bIJ6U13aLNPMt1vlSexFO_JPiVqL6ksdgYdtywoEPBunKz7uFNB6mblSZJTk6WzamIu3xasIPwNPzllPTtAyp4/s640/IMG20161218143228.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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They also sell my favourite dish here, Takoyaki!!! I've been wanting to find an authentic halal Japanese restaurant that sells these, and finally, I did!! The best!!! Look at all those fish shavings. The portion has five takoyaki. </div>
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Overall damage was about £20 each. Not bad..</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-91463116602187951352016-10-01T20:09:00.000+01:002016-10-01T20:13:51.896+01:00Dum Dum Donutterie and Tun M?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I once saw a video someone posted one Facebook about </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">cronuts and crones, which is a combination of doughnuts and croissants/pastries. Check out this video of it.</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Csxgm76u-Fc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Csxgm76u-Fc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">We went to look for it with a friend of mine that lived nearby. She told us that there are actually two Dum Dum Donutterie, one at Brick Lane and one at Shoreditch. We found the one at Brick Lane first, but it was closed, not sure whether for good or just for the day.</span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"> </span></b></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDccb3dGZRRg-8zR9Id7XEnPg9FouOjOnOEX37R3BYCC3d7WJ5oJKBlSluNTfVd3EEsjedbyKNOYvYpD7QV6usmPe-6dATXJZzC6nc4z4f0GT16cd0haPJE-Wzi-8UKP4Rk6-8GuDBx6aF/s640/IMG20160917143742.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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So we kept walking. The east end has a lot of street art. We managed to capture a few.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznWJNyI1CPZXL9XwQsLC4H736ERaPFTewLxSymB1KgY6yYJ7tMN2vVZLBjpuA9AiybC5fmxin3ftElAHdV0KPnKevyf3EQXylLDkyYvXAZ2iWXFRIsXGqBmvqm2J1bRgfjqxAyRayOSsY/s640/IMG20160917144001.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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There's also a mosque at Brick Lane. It's quite big as well. I love this pole. Very distinct that you can see from afar.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptDt3re1QEeyzy-2eZ0vPdb3Z2EnkYxkpHZ31FIbLoxvcjB_9tFKsWh8LCwnOcC9cr4C1yFraiGVZj4-SPizjhkiIiR9seeAkBXjyCUcIGG_1rC-_EyB-mlZwU3Z7lUG94j7TR9yR8qW0/s640/IMG20160917144121.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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So if you are ever near here, you'll know that there's a mosque nearby for you to perform your prayer in comfort. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFDevIFeGj5FGWExcbcbExUXwF3GgmGPa2bkMkfroXiOsRSb1pj_YUdWIrlmhVcacJ1BYOC07UEUrNUXE_m2u-uNXGtSQ3C5k3nZx422u1myvBVK6kuDQOSzBU2bDEOsmO6DupHRGIYj2/s640/IMG20160917144148.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Here's another mural. Underneath it, there's a jerk chicken stall. It smells nice, and it's halal!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHax04HJEH4nxQTuijoNWKQhtJrW6_sO7KJEhYPCowA-jXhIm4twE94o7-VbmvblJ-fjDvSwhhA9vuwKVrzpMFqmiM8JCY9E_pPSULY6V4pyJ9Pr1roA8TIgFR5tFDnyWjZiHh9wjmGha/s640/IMG20160917144426.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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We kept on walking and suddenly..</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9dDGEYxEoLRGcNi4hDqYmun7-ctKlWDBfIz5BY5sQ-zgt_bRtZAuo94zcNY-Z8Ih3iNyuQlV-SiAX42T9pYLxuo1Tj6vaG6wuXmdfVf-fcg-EpEZ5x372qVr0C0BaBmuAdeMWUIuFgHE/s640/IMG20160917144812.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I suddenly smelled something so good, and when I looked up, I saw this store full of chocolates....</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogoMyCwMxM2fyCpshodRtFiuHs6S3BYIGzGALRmQh-M3JMMpsy46iHC7kLiLwhhzR8obMwoCwq32LEOGcUoggsZMu_1bev9Zn_VxJrMUfRhSlqt1FvMW4EugoB7TTCr1JOPht_ZIpWlnc/s640/IMG20160917144522.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Look at these heavenly balls of cocoa..yummmeah!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyoj4bvo9zjdC5p8w75dWKZvKUzSqp9BC4zWNEBbalnQ9f8gwqFPWa7bcHU40WEACUcttTtOk-RMHt8zaEl2pSWPo9DO-C6HZ2tUMRoLqkkzEyk58a_pw2jbbYTvFtrZoK67qb0-e4xhX/s640/IMG20160917144522-horz-vert.jpg" width="452" /></div>
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There're so many different kinds to choose from. It's a bit pricey, though. 100g for £7.50. fuh!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdINcxS-Sn2qsyH3WYoF9pcGiqZidLaRzo1InkdVlXUI3EoER2-L6NjxxpnIfqLCUbG0Z5mjhA0d631UFcPBrNsrH1uFR61_7hAAUNheQHGDhL596n3Jt5XvPs29CZM39hLqtLin-PLnV_/s400/IMG20160917150800.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuUkyiYEtJr-tpXwIcSncYgJS-DPIYr1P8yD0L-oM4rDIOtxQuBwUjxD5wn9mfrunWPGwT0kqOBto1_ZAqDAfl47YJ_0IoroAKOoZM1zzLMVYj9R3rJooaSNP9dSgBpw9rD7mZgbAhN3A/s400/IMG20160917150758.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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We walked around further towards the Shoreditch High Street overground station where the BoxPark is located. The BoxPark is like the shipping container-type building where there are various types of stores from food to clothing. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGKrURLbc0xp2ktqQtVZrawK8zeTlVMlkkvYRYy_sogJ5CJQkpTFW1bQIKcrgBT7i5-j_ixFbuotPA_7aKzrSkrwM_WfZRitlkXA7Z1BoMqNWXfGlBLL6pmCVxw3ggk4vFWDfjU4VuqOL/s640/IMG20160917150700.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The Boxpark has two storeys, we went upstairs to have a look first.</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7kkMJCHQvavdmYCvcuU6xCY-e2N-e9EedJJe7N09rZmu_wNjKsqJC4h8mkRVA85WiTXIlgVbzeD-0HKFpnWEhP7f76u7M8kZIdVNz8g_Hz5GuRCuMpi9XlEJOhSPTEPZSM-RVKVXV-h7/s320/IMG20160917150858.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEFkHGcoyphuimYhi0oCTeudcw6TnHE1qEtNt5ZCJjvmc6cu9aw1HFZKm_4C3Ttv2UP0FJWEDS7mPhDnGlzBD5WGlNzkC_rY68arafvYUPkUiu6PIDk8spDO2mabfkhbOwidaLJe3XACD/s320/IMG20160917150857.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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The Dumdums is located downstairs.</div>
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tadaa...</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEJuMWbf72WrPC3uyac1atEo2efJRs6-US9ukyCGvHv01ehBwVChfQ2FbiOUB9P2EdmwYrHO87Pu8NnTWvgXeDdwgMBuo4LIa9Zsb3qwOnUP96DwnYoYiEDluyqhPLyx2ZU4YRskpH-wR/s640/IMG20160917151508.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Greeted by these heavenly delights.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM76QzJYA-CKfQuDhNmszJc8lebuy0wnCerCmlGnzmzzZZDLAKZq08WSxns8Tv40jzCR2kX4NFKxc8wrDFtzGvEbGsxhZVP3kD_KPEiIlCudU_YCqQvb-en2619zq-DmH-qFTtuAAhkPnT/s640/IMG20160917151502.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Luckily as we entered there were no customers, so we get to ask a few questions and had some time to have our pick. While the staff were preparing our treat, the lines started to grow all of the sudden. I guess we attract people..haha!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhCZUcQGiwkNUBzQrAjbHOvnc9d4CYUi8mvqp3NtpM4Kqx0NCIgclkoS18eF2uVAnchI-owm0M0rYR85j5xYJWOLhV3U-UHHTgmNhPlmtank8yFnhKeA50gTcUkoeDPd0x8qHd_YvCsGM/s640/IMG20160917151529.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Tadaa...this is a giant crones (Donut+Croissant+ice cream). The mighty combo!!! Woohoo...This little baby is called very berry. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTfZu8oBe_wsc6S_R2t-8tcxIA3oDnfBDBT5VoLyYPGGH9im0WstsZ6sZYH-PttI6LWVdhNa4WG3frctS5L6Dsgp_Q5fUgEnQKqMOzVZJKpX3_AfXQl3DE9oeF5b3WBzj1buq1B6CphH4/s640/IMG20160917151521.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The ice cream was so delish! There were fresh strawberries inside!! and topped with more mixed berries. </div>
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Just to show you how the pastry actually looked like. The white stuff is condensed milk, I think. </div>
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We also bought one cronut, just to taste. It was awesome!!! Not too sweet, just enough that makes you crave for more.</div>
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Luckily there were these lounge chairs beside the boxpark for us to sit and relax. There's even a big screen, but it's showing the sports channel. </div>
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I just want to mention also the other day, we went to a dialogue session by the previous Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. I'll discuss his talk in a later post. For now...just pictures!!</div>
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We also get to meet and shake hands with his wife, Tun Dr Hasmah. I've always respected this lady. There were so many people. We could've had a chance to take closer pictures with her, but we didn't want to hold her more than it already has. She wasn't able to stand for much longer. </div>
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Another interesting presence there was matluthfi (a famous vlogger). He was in London for a Youtube summit. I didn't notice him eventhough we stayed at the lobby chatting until there were no one left. That's some heated discussion. haha...</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-52316036244408750262016-09-25T22:26:00.000+01:002016-09-25T22:35:17.202+01:00Festive Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">This weekend was full of festivities. On Saturday, there was the Malaysia Festival (previously known as Malaysia Night). This festival has been my routine thing every year. <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/malaysian-night.html">2013</a>, <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/malaysia-night-20-2014.html">2014</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEion7FUN5-G07qtB704UxMFx4qDcnufyHBuc3tMLAZL4hB6midclkwI31cC2np5ewQoSP1QwqGLaTQgEZshLN2N-Lw1nb1XIWB785goUr0mNC0Q3IM5Ck7KZ70vETPF09I2NPE3Kh7iMEJb/s640/pic-horz.jpg" width="640" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">This displayed Lotus sports car is one of the exhibition that is being showcased every year. This car is manufactured here, but I just knew that DRB-HICOM owned the company through its subsidiary Proton. Awesome right! One of the great achievements of Malaysian company. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">I didn't do any posting for the 2015 since we came very late and didn't stay very long. </span></span></div>
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Just bought some dinner and came here to meet my friend who just arrived for her masters. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pfXyQnlhNHsGEmRCDlslYxu9U5ZXT2Qk_buFpsuj50pwrXH82i7iBE8IRF0ge0ZHpIScFzMaGDOxItXE_45vH2sjN2KQkXo_MgPGkKbkSIXnbUl3ZU4BQ1l9aFVkv7ItD0ywpqD0hBw5/s640/IMG20150918213434.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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We did our bachelors degree together in IIUM and she's continuing her masters degree in King's College last year. </div>
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This year, we came a little bit earlier after finishing my lab work. There weren't a lot of people just yet, so it's great to look around. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmAyK3cPwfzs8UTMffch6DUl58FIYzT3_jLSOT5AxMImcZV7BUlsXL3as5R0bDpCGZ-k7LAlidQd7Rx6L_2On6DpK2WnjGizrgNm2x2kIDLEgJS8a7bLFNg2C1T-V7axjnsT2HwYNZ6Al/s640/IMG20160924163646-horz.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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We suddenly bumped into the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Malaysia. We actually saw someone that my bestie knows, and it turns out, she was accompanying the IGP and his wife. We got to talk with the Puan Sri, asking where they head to, she asked what we studied and prayed for our success. She was very friendly and nice. </div>
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I mostly love browsing and shop for food that are quite hard to find here in London. I found some Longan!!! But it was expensive!! 7.50GPB which is equivalent to RM35+..woah...</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGde5u8iCnQmBoGy4Zh0NeSjqLar4SUDmH4dRjgyJWnsgFNR4_JHUbSVXWog06qTlvmNVsg8YQX6EkDtrEnDUMu7YqxjPHds5zqn61HqwxSDDBUEzqJU6r3LD3MXHY8qe912nezEFQ2v6/s640/IMG20160924164532.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Neelofar Hijab made it here. huhu..I know these things are quite the catch back home. </div>
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Guess who else I met.</div>
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Dato' Seri Ahmad Farid Ridzuan, the CEO of <span class="st">the Television Networks and International Business, CEO of the Media Prima Berhad. I guess they were doing some report about the festival.</span></div>
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<span class="st"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OPilGnOcOvKRZRePXrdqnADZ4YDnZMJyBoocQ0OlP7YEmyzvCBRB4X9ss7A0v11HLGfGJ0Ry2V_vc_Ac-Qi4KKbSiIUO8U2a5ikAZc-ODy1D3nwHC6ukTPdy3UpH66qfGz-QULskMw38/s640/IMG20160925175313.jpg" width="640" /> </span></div>
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<span class="st">On the next day, as every year, there was the Japanese Matsuri festival. My aim was only two: </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQJPexEYxeMux1DUfpSG1BqPjckRyLekh2qoGH1DfIUF-jr8sZpV_pLzcoPq3p4DtU8sljQ3SswVDE8G_CUO3OIkqJJVeZR0XEe_EmZbB82dYKrUn0TkmkB0tu95EJ7WIZgUmU8z3Qw9K/s640/IMG20160925175758.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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Motchi...this one is matcha motchi..huhu...it rolls off the tongue by saying this </div>
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and the main aim...TAKOYAKI!!! I've been craving for these for 2 years. Last few years, we didn't get to buy these since we didn't manage to go to Trafalgar Square two days in a row. The day we did manage to go, it was already very late, so they ran out. Looks good right?? hehe... </div>
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We found some dorayaki (Doraemon's favourite food) too... </div>
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There were also chances for visitors to try on the traditional kimono for 3GBP. This guy isn't Japanese by the way...haha...he's Bruneian. But he did look the part. =P</div>
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Cute/weird Domo which is the official mascot of Japan's public broadcaster NHK. </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP84QulOhFBMn9bXjFEqIVz5_3-MoJFt8N0va6IuU2gLa-QTW8KFyyjBb5UKIji2uw_AESzHb7qRG5a55GkQwhxSIOtFEvQMXf3E1FZAUUtELMvD8erUavW7XhGYBM1ucDfLWoyOkyHFl/s400/IMG20160925184900.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwuMEp1NDPzTCI6VGumdX9GsFLoa6c4PjBTaNCZ3InlVv-q0EIa0OcbCVEAunK5kwmNWiVt1Dpu8RB8K0nmHvQW4HXOGu6vWYvYxKu2zaL8YqsEF_sSXeByxokgVZS4sOULTyyUY_QDtt/s400/IMG20160925184851.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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The great part of the Japanese Matsuri was that they have many stalls with Japanese crafts and culture (anime, manga, cute plushies..), which I thought the Malaysia Fest is missing. Malaysia should introduce our arts and crafts more as well as our tourism and food. The only upper-hand that the Malaysia Fest had compared to the Japanese Matsuri was the performances. </div>
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The Japanese Matsuri did show some very interesting performances such as this one, which is the Odori Deer Dance that is the folk dance widely practiced at the north-east of Japan. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzzt9MNoFuKr2zRcKswzQkXPrIFUULye-1ALdonc2H9hn1FE3PUsZunMqm8Kp1VbRu7a4VsJ-gnhMuoZJxotA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;"> </span></span>That's it for now. There was also one magician that gave an awesome show, integrating tradition and the art of magic.</div>
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Until next time... </div>
ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-66117205791454264642016-09-14T20:41:00.000+01:002016-09-15T12:59:39.171+01:00An Interesting Encounter<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8vq7o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The day began like any other day. In the morning, I went to the lab to do some work and went to donate some blood in the afternoon. My bestie and I had made the appointment months in advance since it was our quarterly routine. The day falls perfectly on the third day of Tasyrik or the third day of Eiduladha (one of the biggest Muslim celebration) where you are encouraged to do a lot of donation and other things that will get you closer to Allah SWT. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8vq7o-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">After the blood donation (my bestie was the only one that gave blood since my haemoglobin and iron level are too low), we went to Chinatown to regain our blood glucose. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2uq6g-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">After buying some drinks, we had to sit down outside the store for a while as my bestie was feeling dizzy. While we were sitting down, a middle-aged white guy suddenly approached, asking what our names were. I asked him why. He said his name was Ed and hold out his hand for a shake. We could tell that he was a bit drunk. We politely refused and said sorry, we can't shake his hand and the conversation began...</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="15st3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: You can't shake my hand? Why?</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="15st3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: It's against our beliefs. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="15st3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: That's the problem. That's the problem with you lot. I think you are good, beautiful people, but that's the problem with you. (at first from what he said, I thought he would want to have a meaningful conversation. That thought declined immediately from my mind after the next few things that he said)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Why is that a problem? </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: It makes a division between us. You make a division between you and other people.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: How does that divide people exactly? A lot of people around the world that don't shake hands when they meet. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: So what would you do?</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: What would I do? About this?</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Yes</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Well, we will part our own ways, and wishes each other good luck in their life (trying to end the conversation immediately and hoping he would leave on that note)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">He smirked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't remember his reply exactly, but if I remembered correctly, he kept going on about how Muslims, by not shaking people's hands, divide the community.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Do you know where shaking hands come from? </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Well, I know when I went to Morocco, a guy wipes his a** with his hands and you wouldn't want to shake their hands after that.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Definitely not. (he didn't exactly answer my question and what was the point of that story anyway?). </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69_4TUQ2YXcXk4lOwHRYlmy1qyoDPyW-OidPpGLqc7QpGp9ju-s5GUezTf8gLc_GfbBF0J1CmEqQoNI1i8J_jjV1fU_HEgkRpYExR3LMozcpqFOfWNZY6JNt80vZvXgf_6VNlGftuTpyv/s320/keep-calm-and-do-dakwah.png" width="274" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly he jumped into a different topic</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: You know all this thing about Muhammad?</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4fqv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Me: You mean our prophet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Yeah..what is that all about? He's not even the first one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: I know. He's the last messenger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: You should listen to the first one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Muhammad's (peace be upon him) message, completes all the other teachings of the prophets before him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Is it? well...but he's not perfect now is he?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: No he's not. He's human, just like you and me. He made mistakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOy298Ccg1Djj6zLVRJDYDwlMoUVAyNJmwiWQK_B4NWJwU3-Qho6lEheEUmSr-pdPV3oe9OZEJkrR6zeRWcdhyphenhyphen7ujmWjkA7QVElhDXyfomXL-6wdurSgWDW1lb7j8MCaJV34gf2dLZxkF/s640/ms2.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No reply from him..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly he jumped to another topic insulting my bestie's features, which is totally discriminatory and not worth mentioning. My reply was, that's how she was born, she can't change that now, can she?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: I think we should respect what other people believe, even if we don't agree with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: I'm a Christian, so do you agree with my beliefs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: I don't have to believe what you believe nor agree with it in order to have respect for you. As long as you respect my beliefs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: What about these Chinese?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: I love the Chinese. A lot of my friends are Chinese. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Silent...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYNCiknyVcKImgyBNNwSPHfWhMfqgmkIyKnqDS95-_rwYnZB0CWGz7yOB7OFJgM7sbHXSIP2873A_JbF5JNS3kcegoDQJPmvu5oKa455A5Dn747Xyte0WiP3cr_Uqqw906bass4gOdVrK/s400/respect1.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He showed a sign of wanting to leave, which gives me much relief, but suddenly again, he hold out his hand for a shake. Again, we declined, and he returned to the beginning of the conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: So we're back to this again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Yes..because it's a problem</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: It's only a problem if you make it a problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Yes, we will make it a problem (at this point, it was clear that he only wanted to provoke me and have a fight)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Well, that's really up to you. I personally wouldn't want to stir up any problem with anybody. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ed: Yeah..we will make it a problem (while gesturing a tube his holding towards us).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He kept repeating it while pointing that tube of his towards us and finally walked away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This situation has been frighteningly increasing in Muslim minority countries. Alhamdulillah, I've never been physically abused like some have experienced, just verbally or through gestures. For people like me, I always have my own country to look forward to if things get any worse. But what about millions of Muslim that call this country their home. They know nowhere else, just here. They were born here, they grew up here, all their families are here. Where else should they run to? Middle east? Other Muslim countries? That's not their home. What right do these bigots have to cast other people that they perceive as not one of them? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So my advice to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, let's continue spreading awareness. Don't add to the confusion and hatred towards us and our beloved religion. Just follow what the prophet Muhammad saw had thought us, and the rest will fall into place. InsyaAllah...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To my fellow non-Muslim friends, if you have queries, just ask. We will be more than willing to answer your questions and confusions. But don't judge us, just like you would hate to be judged. Don't force your beliefs on us, like you hated some Muslim forced their beliefs on you. Communication is key to opening up a lot of doors and possibilities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until next time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Head strong...and have faith</span></div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-25705519970974778182016-08-26T19:04:00.001+01:002016-08-26T19:15:15.121+01:00One of the best experience of my life<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">This actually happened quite a while back. I came across an ad from the Muslim hands that popped up on my facebook newsfeed for a tandem skydiving experience. As my dad did a bungee jump when he was in his late 30's in New Zealand, I have to top that up a notch and do a bolder move, which is skydiving.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">I found out about the event from <a href="https://muslimhands.org.uk/events">Muslim Hands</a>, a charity that I have been involved with since I came here. They held a lot of interesting events, some that I've been to include <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/winter-walk-for-gaza.html">Winter Walk</a> for Gaza in 2014and <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/muslim-hands-all-girls-paintball_20.html">All Girls Paintball</a> in 2015. They have many more events that I couldn't join. I only managed to be involved personally once a year.</span></span><br />
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This is another poster for a different date. Couldn't find the date we went to.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">Without any hesitation, I immediately signed up. I only needed to pay £50 for registration. The term is that you need to raise a sum of money, but they're not too strict about this. Even if you can't raise the whole amount by the time of the event, you can still raise them afterwards. It's all about 'amanah'. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">My bestie is actually afraid of heights. She gets vertigo and doesn't like any of extreme activities. We went on a mild ride at a funfair before, and she blacked out when we were on it. I hadn't even noticed until she told me later on. LOL. But I still signed her up and told her a few weeks after. hahaha..It's once in a lifetime opportunity man...how can you pass on it. Even if you could do it later, it'll surely be more expensive than this!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">We went to the airfield by a provided transport by the organiser, where we departed from London at 3AM!!!! It was around Spring, so it was still quite cold, especially in a British weather. It was clear the whole day, which was lucky for us because the previous group had to cancel due to a heavy rain. So we ended up being the first group to do the jump. Woha!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">As we arrive at the airfield (it actually didn't look anything like an airfield from the outside, you'll only see the take-off path when you enter further), there were already a few groups that had arrived earlier. We registered our names, some even signed up for a video/photos while jumping (which we didn't take because it was a wee bit expensive). </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq2EmNjdq0XpqyudAt6J53kI-ko_UjYuH2NfqjbaM9MqVjMJ7ciByq8fIT7NFM78LViuG8plIEX83LF02o2j8lUtV1Tv2mcRzGhTUVuV16TWDFgVceqAa0MxZrY9D6W0i74YoJlFtH1m-/s640/IMG20160410082346.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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We were grouped for a pre-jump briefing inside the hangar. The instructor made it looked like so easy. He was super young too. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO1uslR0_NpOXLENvDMEtdasocMh5eVgP8sCdvzEM2gLBxxL0koZbLdWY0_OeetM8d61Hy8QfqNIVeh3klwQSZTTXRii9rC7f3FQMuKJeI6n_F3JEMc81bLPfnmqpwWiXpMAnJx6wJD8L/s640/IMG20160410083001.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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All these are lined-up after safety checks and ready to be used. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKmkSIWxj1Tupgbua3aGBcSTy0jzgWURNKp2yR-mr4IXeWXeE_hDKqsm14H8Oplsn3QL6ap5KIS3178WFlJL3OvIdnRO-CkUMw8JqnycquUuu18H2WWZ7XcF-JSGWUxFuAiKboNOPUKtC/s640/IMG20160410102613.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The best thing about doing this with Muslim Hands is that they have made sure that only female instructors allowed for the female participants. Beccles Airfield is the only place in the UK with female instructors, there's only two of them when we were there. Amazing!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYm7LEDRk2tNwRhQiefX6JkbiIE0zwfBS5HUpv61buES40PxjGYxCE4pMet2Ql7iqmJpsBUkvuujCnvm428Jq7VqYGPlOQsdUoMX1R9oARRcipLaxhtFuVSQIP5Hp4sy6-6GnXxLfPCnUI/s640/IMG20160410102540.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The plane was small, so there are only three tandem skydivers allowed at one time, the rest are these solo jumpers. They are both amateur and professional divers. </div>
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The first person to successfully made the jump. Woohooo!! That is not what a tandem skydive is. Tandem skydive is where you are strapped in front of you instructor, and they'll do the parachuting and landing for you. For this type of skydive, you'll land on your bottom, and not your feet, so it's safer for first timers. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAH7Wzi6SK-2akyESKE7IjqhpMZYBZVmpZg6ofjL1Xo-fdsMvjjTT5BOyzs3OLFXxh_3x3yPggZ-cfWH5L90YRqcd2xii62h2ZLGkNeLMJ-ha6tZWA3OqDZbEqFymZs8rgffWqI0DM52N/s640/IMG20160410103531.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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See the guy laying down, he's training for his jump later on. That's me at the back, pounding my hearts off my chest. hahaha...</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7qx2Ce4FJV5inSP9Luwz4MkPHBmLP3tK29m_ZbdQIu-eFE63pB3Dp_SQ-y4om0vO1yEhstzEdPFkrefCN-P44XwUKJbo1ZvG7f-hxTF-IdiwVcDQvzRB6gepKzkGtF9htZE5ejtPs1fw/s640/IMG20160410103721.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My instructor is called Zeus, like the greek god, just because she is awesome in skydiving. She has done more than a 100 skydives, and has been doing it for 15 years!!! She just drops from the plane, land, ran back to the hangar to get another schute, and off for the next one. No wonder they call her Zeus. This is me waiting for Zeus. Thankfully, I wasn't the last to board the plane, because the last person will be the first to jump!! Climbing on the plane, as you feel the wind blowing from the plane's fans very strongly, you'll feel your blood just drained from your body and your chest felt tighter and difficult to breathe. </div>
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Inside the plane, the instructor will brief you again while strapping his/herself on to you, making sure it's nice and tight and asked you to practice what they had briefed earlier. Just writing this down makes my fingers cold as I'm reliving the feeling. hahaha.... =P</div>
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As the plane took off, I didn't feel anything, literally nothing at all. No emotions. Not nervous, scared, anxiety, none whatsoever. As the plane reached 13,000 feet, the siren starts sounding (like the emergency siren). The first to jump are the solos. They jumped like it was their day job (which is true for some of them). It goes so fast...then the person in front of me. Then...it's the big moment...MY TURN!</div>
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<img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwtl7Wt60QqyLXRhQtNF_C0rSH-brLyfqQJRLK6L8hlO6cqWHAuQ6FlhJyP2IPpbzvmoKa6JoUXldPZL8-BZE0L69-wQ6Cg_3Cw8WwnAZTIci9LBFApVo2LeiR1e6OrxUdntGCeWiB4D_/s640/tandem_skydiving.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My instructor scooches over to the edge, hence pushing me along, so you don't really have a choice in the matter. No second thoughts. Then she let me dangle as she sat by the edge of the plane as shown in the picture for a brief second and off we goooooo....</div>
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As we freefalling, it felt very difficult to breathe. The velocity of the wind towards your face is like when you put your face outside your car window as it goes 100km/hour, or maybe faster, like you put a leafblower directly in front of your face. Plus, the temperature up there is close to -10 degrees bruh!</div>
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It wasn't really long (but it felt like a lifetime) before she pulled and open the parachute. As it opens, you'll feel as if you were yanked from above...a bit painful in certain places, if you can imagine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj6NMqpMRQnX0ZkOzE3y5ocpF4iuDoKBeFx6VfLnINZBIHgcLxGAUtAyZW0LIevNbjzBQJ4Rqx0JmsKtChZxphljbcuY-HwyAMCyfBmYbyVDUlPTut2n7ZXuVxKrG04QFy5FqrHL7uexX/s1600/IMG20160410130224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj6NMqpMRQnX0ZkOzE3y5ocpF4iuDoKBeFx6VfLnINZBIHgcLxGAUtAyZW0LIevNbjzBQJ4Rqx0JmsKtChZxphljbcuY-HwyAMCyfBmYbyVDUlPTut2n7ZXuVxKrG04QFy5FqrHL7uexX/s320/IMG20160410130224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These were the solo skydivers. Their helmets and goggles were much cooler than ours. The one we used, the goggles felt like being pulled off my face when we were freefalling. Flappy darn things.</div>
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It was such a phenomenal experience. Taking in the gorgeous view of the seaside, the countryside...so much more. The landing part is as much thrilling as the jump because you can see clearly you are descending and felt it right in your guts as you go down, fast! Just as you almost touch the ground, the instructor yanked the ropes to make it slow down a bit and badabump...safely landed...</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjdHUTLIH1y0A53iY1zBlxZeIoPO-F9dlYw9A_ohYChYUH-XCAX5VVuflSsY1MpaEsypquBGpImoPybr9wKaI37bDiWgcCx1L5xlBjrYOE5uw0_HsFhJNV24rufr81MqAYYdOah0xY0KT/s640/IMG20160410121059.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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I went before my bestie, that's why we managed to take a video of each other landing. Lucky!!</div>
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Can you see her nervous face? hahahaha...poor girl.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPg2jya2PIaQ9PH6mX5astZz1ThX4xLlXZ6LfalK9kRT5SThkzjG4XYpOQTvOSTewHVz5n-2HL-v9seatsUD46uj8eWcvGPOnNoN4N2s5pmbzyanM0YkcS_HgXm3H1izDBod1oLSv42Vw/s640/IMG20160410122017.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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She had to wait her turn quite a while, so I distracted her by taking loads of pictures.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIL167JITcxKShND_u6mKiTz3AlRt-bmmn1FbiiOuIkfCE6_ybkFb65LgjG76_KclYAc_vwk0Frk9qMQBHI0QFL7SPH8bNyW4CtwqENtfopU8P8GstI-y-OAOwdme7yOUu43bwwb3sCfQ/s640/IMG20160410122046.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Kept reassuring here, it'll be great!!!</div>
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Almost time...</div>
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dupdap..dupdap...</div>
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I asked her after she jumped, how did she felt, and she said it was amazing!!! Definitely, she will not try again, but absolutely worth it! </div>
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Here's a short version of our jump. I'm glad I got to do this and help a good cause at the same time.</div>
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Another bucket list checked. Woohoooo!!!! I'm thinking of doing it again...hmm....</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-14839267377075998602016-08-25T16:46:00.003+01:002016-08-25T16:46:53.208+01:00Weekend @ Camden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">One weekend, my bestie and I just itches to go somewhere to vent and release after all the labwork that we did. I saw a video on Facebook before about cronuts (croissants+donuts and ice cream!!!) by the Dum Dum Donutteries, which when I checked in Google, they are located at Camden Market.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUFQVqU-mRJh7e6wRcuro5dQA2LiVsqJeG_K8wq_CsCgaNlelpi_yVavGXTlVegRWaKpKL-ABgx2PII4zWW1_ttLMv1WXw1-6qdKqC7siFSe-zKCKAs4lvPukP0VlAz8_bLPpdp2W4PVQ/s640/IMG20160806161944.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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So we went there, with the hope of finding the cronuts, as it is summer, gorgeous weather for it. Before that...about the market.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrGbQOt5g5f0FNG21Hb1gW7d8qumbdBiAlifqHRaxISP_u_xN_PnwAT97fEGLJ201JRAdAlHmumyxbzLfFEUcJc-VzO-kI2Zjl0BGwWTfQ135TpSBDFPg1ES0HPSe35qYJfPZLn8yxWWd/s640/IMG20160806174101.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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How to describe Camden Market?? I have one word. Awesome!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCLMZC3KgaECTLVLMHyyelj-lw59JwcKMC_PiKibpDA50oHpaOFLepGfa-bpGb_qfMEYx2RM-p_UDhoGNEiXVVitr30twHkn8O2A8BfJl63mYq3aPNV20mdPIH4Y0gnZ9dYJAG-g0VOnq/s640/IMG20160806162134.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Camden market is so unique in so many ways, from having the most out of the box-futuristic things such as the Cyberdog... </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2qiAwC_h1sojakoyBCNAonj0Fyic7feDTYKM6lIdSsTem60Xx_7WlNc-Iexdb7aT3AYyoILFuCfe7wFsgaSa2zUYvYo03CWoe87VgL21paoeJYdVP9-b96iPb9zvJs-43w_mQL11M33w/s640/IMG20160806163344.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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To the very old and classic stuff such as this cute little jukebox and record player.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZfZH2_Z1JTwAoa-JXg8u7nzFSnTbLAIdd_KWEI0ogdwyFO5KDUsZvy9OSdmk0eJAtz8PLoF7mR-9HA0g_gCY7GyPMIbUqSf4CvguyZfAScFhm9uVhyphenhyphen-VXV3QTanPdNQfPhiyzaJZc11X/s640/IMG20160806163142.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Hipster? They may love this place. Maybe....It's filled with vintage, handmade, classic stuff. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_fj32RF_hU230dOFlO59h4ZYNnn_i3TbctIppWDA950rOcRR5estMGzbpU_-6L79TdoJhv7elgcHjCIjOWyufEYtlIrF2row67ocSjbplIi1kMShdrJJCWVZnKSblTbCyE6umFQHuTI1/s640/IMG20160806163149.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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There are many tunnels, nooks and crannies locating various stalls.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBqTgBgMbJXg7cDHOIwumDuGcH2NsF6bFg12YJ0SwpHqpdrP1Rcy4ptzLpkc91hGEzK9CpAuzr7-DXV65u4evtKneLdPmxtb0tTAEo4OV2MK5Dhj0pF3AtNo6_g-r8CIbmzARBtc3lAHZ/s640/IMG20160806163247.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is one of the vintage stalls where the jukebox is. There's also cameras from the victorian era. I'm serious! They are still functioning!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tMY3KmHXoOOvnpti_iVaEY0jiEtwW-_L7IACnX_gqMPAeiyLTuBX3idpYgYCBuvKw7pGveNtm5pA5qdldefrxdrJIZBz57JYFb6i8FVQJRQMSUX-ikgq4z4C7lBadjh-x_m6leWHk4X2/s640/IMG20160806163347.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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My grandma used to have this radio. I wonder what happened to it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9LzP0h-7tgTUDLzPsAr5zvaltdLGHEZlmgrIwUxTqKuVMaKjd7w-LHdre8ugu6ZrsIOv48_jkvU9DPQ0jc4YvinjBahFEzJDnD7O-8af5DBZrk1uUPir2VoOh5-QfG2c33Wy09F0GVjX/s640/IMG20160806163508.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This is my favourite!!! haha...what are the odds of me bumping into this. Definitely going to buy one before I go back home.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhoUGLJMIuVpsof5VoIqpzlEJiQyaq4UxM9ClI-exeeS4RtHqC-NHEFbMoy88_tEgWvtT83_tK6_3279fEWlFsCSGwm5XKE-Us-3vZLAytnWIiPNjHP7SwhyphenhyphenWiXZol38GZ4DLDiJ99z-8/s640/IMG20160806163856.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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More stores...more alleys. You can get lost in this market.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7x-iDNT9AFdTG4-gHwKf2TS24Ro5B-zkPJIdUUMSGsA19Jis4xr_CD7R07XeSjuh2eKT9MRvf2lHiFdiFrXKqW4x-Pi_AFj-GWw16iULdj4tTjEXFqsxi2wm9yzFk1qMPVRzV89DzRzi/s640/IMG20160806164807.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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A very productive way of recycling your old shirts. huhu....</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6fxDqfhhQSY5MsvvoNFu1IJPoJh7jzIdXEvFrLhlbCw5vhMgIuDeiNK6ZIuoUQmd30HDdhbtZ0EUUIr-qWpIqiZw6q0DpCYMsVmwAn8ka0fHQL_8HnFyLCF53bBpwbUdrjFC-kxP-Pk3/s640/IMG20160806162501.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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They have loads of cafes here. This is where you come to find street food. Malaysia's food is here too!! But our main reason is to find the cronuts.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtyVArXFZol78B5Ekd9F7flNLIX2kCSSTPKBwxMiJNHOc17SU-zDVBjm-42aTFlRzxJZMoUTpshdrDrRgTPzm_8CMCJo8HpLD4ZM3Sv0uFsO9V_NDP5Q20GdyDWejYzLLwZtOK4Y16Vj6/s640/IMG20160806165052.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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In the end, we found out the DumDum Donutterie at Camden has been shut down and that they've moved to Shoreditch. We felt bummed, but we didn't want to go back in vain, so I found another place which I watched a video previously as well called the Cereal Killer Cafe.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MSd37m5cVS85lFO-rtv10yXI-sxWEOaesFRjghRwPfL07I3lDx916N-9Iri3ZI6rYndsce7EgUxEN3_4roJDlYQo2iZ0g0nQ3mPMZbrASQ-76lk4WsfHlsHANP1AT-uHXMekCxsiT9h8/s640/IMG20160806170907.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This cafe only serves cereals from around the globe (mostly the UK and the States).</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCCbdAsRjtR3_ygwmSaA_SUxsG41F8tLDJyCwXuGg75EjrnNH4jh2SKdj0Tw_kjgq7aRYx06-FMCIEEQrOOdE0sTDqNrELTysJJ5Og79FsXUdNe0sl5tW17dYuPK_YcUrALxsTeW_K05V/s640/IMG20160806170914.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The menu...</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8-Fj_2iS_mNYdgwO5vag4kJP4uJ9QsmwZEoCn5_45Hv-vyQQExZhPlEWHd8WEk8ovYw6uKyXqHm00kLA_jo2_NfCUXDxI3R4KwILhlNiV8kbv54zkPtwOyHyR7cgYlKfCQzD0pr2N3zC/s640/IMG20160806170958.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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These are some of the choices. There are three sizes of bowls to choose from. People often became overwhelmed with the choice that they have to make. Being an impulsive person that I am, my bestie and I picked our choices in a second. haha....</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy7XsxStZP9HH_8oAzss9uWDPaqjFyH9SCDRQW5r7MAuDoQoQUjleVMh0MzDreux15glOqcCX2nWGf4Qwtss_iu8wUQ0rR1LtyhdAqWV03O1P39ULj-ztbPm0ynU9ZTLe5LVHzsB3U9LV/s640/IMG20160806172138.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I chose the Cinnabon and I add some strawberries with whole milk, while my bestie chose Hershey's chocolate cereal with chocolate milk and Oreos. They made their own chocolate milk by adding chocolate sauce in the whole milk. Smart!</div>
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This is the inside. The TV between the crates showed some oldies morning shows, makes you feel like a kid eating breakfast again. The TV at the far left is showing Johnny Bravo if anyone still remembers. haha....</div>
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I love the decor inside the store, but the lighting can be improved since it's a bit gloomy. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLIt2Zoqb7TO0neqv_c-AvOz7epe3XcBEH2gYMso5Zhwob90LKu8b2bQDsRgJVncPuRnOnq1fXJFseOmfTsvEaMYbfh3Uu-I7KUy8z2Rz_-zvB42SInip-2XGA7-rIbms4egOxz5Hkri9/s640/IMG20160806172258.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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More cereals being displayed. There's Dunkin' Donut cereal!! I would buy some if it's still around. </div>
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Paying for a bowl of cereal. Who would have thought we would see the day. </div>
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Here's the video from Time Out London. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lCUtMNcr6ps/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lCUtMNcr6ps?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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It's more of a 'try it once' kind of place. It's sure is unique. </div>
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Until next time...</div>
<br />ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-17170513163755288462016-08-14T02:57:00.001+01:002016-08-14T03:09:17.454+01:00Italy: Rome Part 2, Finale<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">So, after the first part of Rome, we continued our trip to the highlights of the country! </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIQvyt7zk9JuNxKIiiv0mSA6lU6CHIXkgkQro1HyVjqsvI4r4i8-c5JgrcZkiQAJPPVclmvjSFw3DNmIbjjpYLo6uGV0ZxumaWpQQsxdNDw_-PPVZMhDPskrp1NUOAa-CQJexhCggzeds/s640/DSCF2918.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">This was in front of our accommodation. It turns out, I didn't take pictures of the inside. haha...From our acco, we need to take the metro train to the city centre. At the station, there were two soldiers waiting on guard. Suddenly we were called for a 'random' check. They asked for our passports and our details. Luckily, we were going back to London that day, so we even provided our return flight tix. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6w5-Ca9Z7P0VV-ctN1yJEza3Z2JC-Z6-9SJf4T6I0R0Gi1vJ-XBmmUJnlb8enPsolIbg5EV8hyphenhyphenm2mgy2BcI3do10DMS_YZl7cLyWnPeFjHbrmKh0gyZXgv5dgSpt64AjAHRyvjGUD3cx/s640/DSCF2794.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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This is actually a school. I would love to go to school here. Feels like being in the renaissance era.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">Continuing on...the soldiers that stood guard couldn't really converse in English, so I had to translate to my friends when one of them asked a question (I picked up a bit of Italian while we were there). The soldiers became amazed and asked, do you understand Italian. I just said I understood a little, but he just went on talking in Italian fully expecting I would understand. haha...Some eyes did stare as if we were being detained of some terror attack or something. It wasn't a good feeling. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGywGYkHk6qklyiAYIGX-_67bZRvFGoJubi8FXkzK3dG17ilixZBabSD3tkC8eT4YiUWfTix944nCHuah8i4j90GLNAkHQbIGZTXjEm-7qByQ2M4pSDeg4E6HM7thcVg-9JVtWhwnIFdRT/s640/DSCF2868.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">But to make ourselves feel better, I just told my friends that no one will mess with us now because they would think we are dangerous. huhu...</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9_kIuGM14ZG3lZ2ZOkzWp4LJ-R6JysKcq_HXOUguh7ZLUxj6cDX9RkEFcUznb1hJAo1_7NbSeYHKxPZxAhN7nBOM88wS8law45pLM2As2fnf9Q30ybtFXJRZl225CTQ2mXFyO4nCWjWD/s640/IMG20160408140949.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">We stopped somewhere first to put our luggage so it'll be easier for us to walk around the city without having to drag our bags around. I found this place online the day before. The rate was quite cheap, considering other places that we've been to. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodIkJO-OZEfoQD6FEwx6ebY_5FrtkL2h2Wgiz2Hs4bn9JWILdJ5NeKAewnXMh2d58R0fVbzRQ-SOK-EvbE_ADVz03Y4-5nfDY3ZoPmdIInDTBZIuPk7sXW04T3UrasMi-dWS1xIVxWw1n/s640/IMG20160408151339.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Through these alleys where you'll find the storage. It's located at the end, a very quaint place.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBNuM3IvgDXjw3uJRCZndtzuQR8Jbu_MZKNEmmOpctF9_xb5BnAx4VC94GOaN6PkK9i4i0wdnDVO8IbrVKZCDUbkv9ifJMZeNvWBKF2ekuyIc98dmMpCeU_UsVK7wKDvfeB5MuT7SH5E7/s640/IMG20160408141001.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">The facilities were nice too. They even provide a service to take your luggage directly to the airport, with a fee, of course. We didn't think it was worth it since our bags are small and easy to handle ourselves. But if you have huge luggage, this could be something to consider. They also have a very nice washroom for their customers to use, a printer and internet where you can use for free. I forgot the rate, but I'll update later since their website is undergoing construction.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPHYkZY9tEVIO6lnc4W702ETN3AFcvWoL9BGmLGTKmJwf7hZr2a35Qz8JeyR1NuB9F7Bf7ZONJFyFkZuPzMq4qtWNCkSovJ3p_uZkzrr5Q6QRXByaHTA92hP3z2zyk-NFFbsBg_5LKjnO/s640/IMG20160408094556.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Afterwards, we took the bus to the Colosseum. We passed the Spanish Steps (one of the famous attraction here), but we didn't manage to stop since there were still a few more places to visit. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXRNp86bVJR-TKjv8hxspt-WvzKRnD8szMtkvMMjPKWpZthgdHX2ERUSfw84VdVXyqFzn5Ra6baiBJWRPjg9IyINng4GqRt2MF96iqJiyP4qu-VtnaxzgWxHTZ8X74UsfiojY7hQRYjTR/s640/DSCF2935.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">As Rome is a huge city like London with many tourists, you would expect a lot of people in the bus. We didn't mind being crushed, but we do mind some jerks and perverts that we had to share the bus with. We rarely experience people being impolite back in the UK, but we did experience a few during our short stay in Rome. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT94pu6WzPAok3B2yThyphenhyphenFVXIhA2zk8EW7NiFtVfcqBxzt4v94jDYH0FZt9TPfS1NzVvAZLtlR6F0_AKuh5hg_tBXIQNhXMtD6EnB5u8WFuBAg5WSXYVYOcd58yoRKXAr9gauEHzAVcopm/s640/IMG20160408095151.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Nevertheless, we did make it in one piece. When we arrive, we decided to visit the Palatine Hill first. The tickets for the Colosseum will give you entrance to three places; the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, all of which are connected to one another, except for the Colosseum. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzjmEJTqrjPGiosjnZwdohy9a2uvKqSITsL5uEe0f_FKSJD1neMpKvWje5Ivh4dLjRo6vGXvDtdz8qid6eu8OJRmbIKgu_4OAkO86Su5Qd3-nSxVAcI19dTM7vi7JW07CsgEUEh0PZOqs/s640/IMG20160408095528.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">The decision to go to Palatine Hill was based on a tour guide that suggested to avoid the long queue, and as they said, there was no line at all at the Palatine Hill entrance. You can even buy your tickets from here if you had not bought any beforehand. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAx5GUp345ceOPgjDHAaRsY6P0dX0LaFckvjj2C0-S1qlPBZJ1Q4hkvMJWSb5jT-EE1Ugo4pQalN_mRzzmFgktsie7hGZe1En17hVNAlEnVZvhUP2heK1nMKB8HyOdYHfq4bLhWOclG1a/s640/DSCF2933.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">The Palatine Hill as the name suggested, is a hill above the Roman Forum. It says to inhibit the Romans since 10th century B.C. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwzkGOKt6fdYNyLUU45B7iqB4LmWUkFRsjiKW5u5A9zk0jpH4bdWOIZy1ch4rb88wYtA4xmkJBcrD4ReFeKbCMCH5IjTeDOt_QbZFd4yIQuw8pP6zou0_GPnaPruf041QUZIC7NRfe7hS/s400/IMG20160408100300.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3viuoA5rE6zb0G61RFZl07uKgiz8mV6TYZJq0IlJL61I-FOvzOTjdJ2pbxtFyu2ZJKeCl4zIzQliAW28Gvo5GuxIbQSlnc8uuyLhgbA3Q8cOSHU69D0L4KNlhUTzQsA-U2yRdriW1CQux/s400/IMG20160408100355.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Most of what's left are ruins, which you can't even tell what sort of building used to be there. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgkjciiCnMU8cYzKVOpAUbE3hdplNtjmd9bW1TYLapIhE-1gXrSBtYwKbRyd5oj-lfzJZBTTd0uTmadOvqVAv0VsE3QMWK0AqLIzt-0Hp4jCODy_D0GFAqbpcIy3Yxu1E2WtBWgJruIy9/s640/DSCF2938.JPG" width="426" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: justify;">A great place for a game of police and thief. =P</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z8LyMxYIA8A-zl3zIrJc9BDUx-7JHgntuPIty7dgeCeQQe4Hbh8zDl1LGhju7eVXhxySztmDNA9odSfdXU3V3_xJA7pw5VGSg5VWvAtMm4uS3NHdSvsfb4zAQAkRfVEI_9ZuRcGO6QZH/s640/DSCF2976.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">There is one museum located on the hill, but we didn't go in since there were not enough time. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAljUEipREJMGhzZySvcGp3R9n2Gol290WPH3nLcpGlUC1XbN7G-xguluCKXP-m_bEsMQnlBvWDp5IZR1-OHiACGe2fu2Vg1IjZ-rU8reNgp52LbZG6c5SKVool6FHVQsCGdz8tNQ-9d6O/s400/IMG20160408103211.jpg" width="400" /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3-NVEQnU7roim_RWHcAeIs492Nl8N7rsFjypy4CxM9NChmWiKzcdlOxHFDhlf9rLW-q9FuFsXDkeVQrZwhdyBgzREI3jzeDtBcLqGz9ve1TdRkslSKgl88lKOO8HO5AmeumzWMlE_Uo6/s400/IMG20160408103504.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">The best thing is you can see the Roman Forum, part of Rome and the Colosseum (shown by the arrow) from the hill. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq8qZXcqPeK7InVcnWDRR4Uy1mV646oUAmMBdDCgh5dUBpL0rBIjiqAJdDh49m7-myvFHsKadbBEjnuZWSk3OeXXvF_wfETw8mtvn33SC4GRqAaQakqU1sMoLA0Qb7CTCpHeu94UfxQIm/s640/DSCF2963.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Such a stunning view. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtB5Yk_0gboxlO4HZulS-eqk4NhrmgvQDsp8ifnm2WwweSKDiAN2mh2ecTAuyepKUjJiUhnISZRjaaCWHxEX8Gkqx5ZucW7dPF8EqR-AKXXsHuM92TTlYYyai4bBRTr5tvUoTKqdj52Th-/s640/DSCF2985.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">People often ignore the other stunning architectural genius beside the Colosseum such as this. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAF7-7DkpLZ7LFPCjpYcKFs__YDiA38aVDw2wibJmEv6r0hDdMIFjVezqBykP4YfAfp_vrPYkhcQyBlTk0gxUx69MBN_pJx2autZaI_2t3-V7zx09MZ2XDapKhiY6j1HTz7xW39H0DP5Z/s1600/IMG20160408101805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAF7-7DkpLZ7LFPCjpYcKFs__YDiA38aVDw2wibJmEv6r0hDdMIFjVezqBykP4YfAfp_vrPYkhcQyBlTk0gxUx69MBN_pJx2autZaI_2t3-V7zx09MZ2XDapKhiY6j1HTz7xW39H0DP5Z/s640/IMG20160408101805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">There are many stories behind the Roman Empire history such as <a href="http://www.turismoroma.it/cosa-fare/palatino?lang=en">this.</a> </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCreFOTsR0_H2jyqc4EPuPMMmfYiBPtmnLRXNCWSNu7WnjW46b3YqdQ0Nd25J43RnTZqseMHU35VvKoY5dbegVFWeoM6gLCguxGZX7OdwgoUASaV5czOhHOCD2m8BqtlKQnoWuOiOgAqv/s640/IMG20160408103222.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Below the Palatine Hill is the Roman Forum. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oK1sBSlFfS8SYDz0_FFe7B8tLyOiODjQJEoW2kIgGHgL7SckCPb3msHn4V9-miMc_2I1kkpVARuPyQeU635LfuFHotMHwryQzvohdkv1pFuO1zebpAJfUupl8swSvnrxovzGuwt5fbQn/s640/IMG20160408105452.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather";">Roman Forum is a garden of ruins and was Roman's </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ancient showpiece centre, </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a grandiose district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces. </span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHNuCHZYJAsOvg-LB2-l6ai8TlNr3ML43etmtXIRHrrdPLSsELzJiVpoN0tSyAnE0zjKizuYFOtIl3TKHBs9Dcj_EpwE62-AnPkbc9csF-GuFTzZZxFJFupUe3lQbetqovzTHHjycPwOl/s640/IMG20160408104524.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The site, which was originally an Etruscan burial ground, was first developed in the 7th century BC. -<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/sights/historic/roman-forum">source</a></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOLzNzkzZp0Is2XLSbvdDoJ4AAV1VsR-CLWH01G8sQ7qb7JLdrRS5XGeS5SVn96djiGdmpw42PMD9sSaBkJumzz_Iu4nsIYe4vYM1qjG9cXEwKFCRiZjoXln0gOBXwyLcz5bycqyvV0BU/s640/IMG20160408105644.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather";"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">You can also read the descriptions. What is the purpose of visiting if you don't learn about the history of the place, no?</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_T2fSrBHPJFGlb_UnlcP-ql31kK6XnOwuUP_B_3OuJgTG0ZmRYsUMIavyXvdF7Qgw49XHNZRlyXytv6ib6TIsL2zX04SGfCXo464X2gR6GapqDiuNGyxCmyS8Y7BAS0TzspCO8ESjXaQX/s640/DSCF2990.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The numbers below the descriptions indicate the voice tour for people that booked them. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQoVZAeGYhZ_lj5v0w54YNVc5Ntz7EBt7V4XsV1s1jfTZsKLp9vhw7wq83ffR8hl0pWqLxqbYsL4NdXyAKzgBI5ZvBTdSqGpZtvmGg6gCHHeZIFSMGI0lNS0A13vxr_fkufNi8Ap9P11s/s640/IMG20160408105028.jpg" width="480" /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_98h-E0wZqZYMzYpRfGZEKFzoGSjtmuAL2fEPn-Yha1GTR784p8WOSqDUOGhC3IcXkT1XQBJ2MCgzUws5YbBp-cuA_7_ACBWlVFZRDlRltBzTl1MeEQCJf0l1DU_UmtfThucK-bZ8Blmi/s640/IMG20160408105154.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: justify;">Many huge temples are still standing, mostly the pillars. Some are still in an almost perfect condition but are not open to public as it may be dangerous and in order to maintain the structure. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV9kPwam3ZOpFr24YpM78RKeJ7rISDXBBrf4Id4qAf0GncfPIv9ypZ6zWL0gpDdMICMhPdsm7IKgcBSYa78pmKNVflD-wd2wpeAKWw26mpUhPK3cdfYM32XZRKkjsyLFCJSYUj-PqE-xD/s640/DSCF2996.JPG" width="426" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHMx6R22-RzjOdUefS6jLpSbBceRS8f7iTYiHB3SAtSjdCJiEB8KhdxK6qX2P6908SRFugf494RmfboellX_rje4zAqzTZEQ8KpNmULCYRr3zCfIhyL8lZ6iejE_nJANJ-zieEfLCm3QA/s640/DSCF2998.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">Most are ruins like in the Palatine Hill, you can't really tell what building it used to be. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWn_Hg-TF72o546aQhrn8rkQBAmew2bd3RNT6uyGYGCddNKPxEbavVWZFE-79KAtoMCzdNGjWV7B4seJqLocI0lcEMHJ8Jh6SXdM8Z3gI03fQ_5EI_7zAk3_Wao6O0Vcgk5fo-SypEaYD/s640/DSCF2989.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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As we exit the Roman Forum, we head straight to the Colosseum. At first, we were giddy when we thought we didn't have to queue. Little that we know...that giddiness will go down the drain. The line was super long!!! The bad part is because the line is for both that wanted to buy tickets and those that already have them. The security is super tight. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBERdByW03LNKX0qlPaiHjVglk0LSe0T7xAgyRrKFiByQBokhDiwNLwNK15iX9wSIiUqFodVQ8Evy1l-AfE3881aDhmriA99pGu3-1i5XcPrCsZ_AAxtwl1uDVkpVYZ5F1WchIy1KOnQT/s640/DSCF3015.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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After a loooooong wait, we finally managed to get in.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMwI6XMTwGgYOMg99zyu8QYLSE5MZOmG3PPrdxWCdmcOt8Guxk8sdH4L8CSRYx2ZO6Dqi3q0oYtjQ-hxxyu035baiU7rX9ro-3Lx9P143Xn1HJiCWOrK6dl-NlIr6LpawZCz7szrUPKrD/s640/IMG20160408121845.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The picture shows how it used to be during the games at the Colosseum.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzt8-_madTf1hqMdicW10Q-T-kEGNbVYsmxAihzP5WiTNn-LSbBw6-QZyFC4BLUVq5542_7ZD-cVk1yR2aFq7m_MWnX71vMKs4Ev4r8RxKAfvsJsgdPYPa8YhTS3V6tgR9AFCNeboEdqm/s640/IMG20160408122941.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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The Colosseum could hold an average of 65,000 spectators at one time. It's humongous!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ezpoD4-wdAh_kLcrvSy7AIDwWLbM_pg0qfYpsfWVu61cm6eSbKJMNIng9ddi3_ltfMCSdHHrmxANikgylIst6WoHftGjMAvq95fq4-x7_as8Uk11W4ElDGnSWP03ybleJ0ffHz2yDa4O/s640/IMG20160408122128.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Tadaaaa....</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMYZd6M_2Z0iSjcJbEYMRPj5I87H81iopPeNGhg1v_z1HTqCpDOHZkhG_nrXNnaMYBH6sJgiLzCt0ED7arhh9Fr3GArFBUCLXkmR1zYICo3mIAV9s_K6jIqVdU_hODZRXmAuyHqY5gjbe/s640/DSCF3046.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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If you have some extra money to spend, you can have the premiere tour and go to the centre stage like the people in the picture. </div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkDkbrTTn_8elE4C5eUo-y1s6qsTsG9xZFil0nNCWXG3RnOnck850w8awrAII82cHeAv-Pdd1rasEJy2ERxaDCM6Dw5uuZZaWnDFq_x7X_wxEYueHzp1W7Tl9x3eWODKRgEvbmHRkWksx/s640/IMG20160408122026.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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You can also walk through the halls as the gladiators did as shown by the arrow. You can also see the cages where they kept the lions and rooms where the gladiators use before their brave match.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdgtWs5kDpG7lujVUerRU1xJrJD0N4KiqLxytNoJW6TAwhN3oV-bfADb5rGJXbdxeTDccNFkkmdVd62W91xgl5nbP-81TY8LS417Hjs9sLStCQV1ZmqVGIrDbrCIwmQJpsfZU4nidOllR/s640/DSCF3018.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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There're three stages where tourist can go to, but the top one is only for the premiere tickets. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmJJ_Fb1wrn2z-7VEBNtB8CZfMBBeYsNYKAucOwGIX6yH8oMHyjoo0ELvuAgJq9YTWDHdPbdwMN7NY5RfyneYsjWRA-kJLT_HhsdfF-k7CgHCdASYeezBYyR2e4Tibfq-WupgXd3kokyP/s640/DSCF3025.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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These stairs don't even look like stairs anymore. Can't imagine how they manage to climb these especially without any railings. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC6A4Z1oIcPhBLXg1nVQRzTumNMuXCZKjFQI7zpOH-MosnA6n8ywPjo0D8osAxce3R05VrfXslmTvHxtOsYsiyQty0MR8Pv_4lHOW14fQgcK5A7CS1GVnRKW_xp3onTcNKbTOx-9RDR5f/s640/DSCF3030.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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These are the stairs we used. Still pretty steep.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDglw3l4J_SSP-y2gHn-0xmbUpmqaNxYx8vZtlgdGADfBOMF3ICrGZ-Bw-wb5PHZplS2i6pVmygVtxbrnEjvkhCkXjRFMKYuOvZXwnvxuApOAO3NxM4tOQHawJn_2Zigtv9z9NrjtBdHf/s640/DSCF3028.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Need to take a rest after all those climbing.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSF0Vi8tgB2BrC1PCpN7-k22zGHcTvxupHzo8D-WceXwTDr4vZRdIbyH0JKqdiAeUOVMBB9DylBcuR1krVqkkcFmrL2FGNQjJpW99wL2rLvzD3gCUgpl7mPtI5lV5IcPAxWSqTXK7AhVv/s640/DSCF3040.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Embarking on the view for the last time. I'm so glad to be able to enter one of the greatest architectures in the world.</div>
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I wanted to take a postcard photo, but then my mum always says there's no point of a picture if you're not in it. </div>
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voila!</div>
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After the Colosseum trio, we went to the Piazza Venezia. It's only a few minutes from there, </div>
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but we still took the bus because we didn't want to sore our feet more than it already is. </div>
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Piazza Venezia is the central 'hub' of Rome.</div>
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It's located almost at the geometric centre of Rome.</div>
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There's tight security here too. </div>
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Guards...soldiers...fire!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">One side of the Piazza is the site of Italy's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the</span>Altare della Patria<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">, part of the imposing Monument to </span>Vittorio Emanuele II<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">, first king of Italy.</span></span></div>
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Resting again...=P</div>
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We went inside, it's free admission except for the museum.</div>
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We went upstairs to the rooftop.</div>
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We get to take in the view of the city for the last time before we depart.</div>
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From Rome, we took a shuttle bus to go to the Fiumicino Airport. I forgot the name of the bus company. They don't have seat numbers when you buy the tickets, but they use this boarding card system. Due to the actions of some Italians that I notice (pushing and being rude) when boarding the bus, they need to use this card to make sure those onboard are according to their allocated time. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzt8Jqa7EzonFxYShUvkvEOHKT_Nw1OPyykvrryc-e6xNkFV1JBHh_6DsL-yQwCet5-NwY2ymRRByFLm-E0g0tg9kSajGJUMIQHfo6yqeUBCFedcusS_NgSGt6evxf45TeSwh2MAa2Yuj/s640/IMG20160408155638.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Even with that system, there are still some people that just love to push around and not being patient. </div>
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We only saw this sign as we were leaving...haha...Despite some of the bad people and experience, we did enjoy our trip. Italy has been my bucket list since I was a child. </div>
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All of the walking and climbing in Italy wore out my poor old shoe. This picture was taken by my friend. huhu...Had to toss these out. </div>
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Rome says goodbye with a huge Ferrero Rocher. Italy checked! In case you missed the previous ones, <a href="http://ctaminah88.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Italy">here'</a>s where you can read them.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6696060783910803161.post-45929220965991145442016-08-09T17:29:00.000+01:002016-08-14T02:44:35.272+01:00Italy: Rome Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st"><b style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and good day!</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">The final destination of the chronicle...(since when this thing became a chronicle? =P)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: "merriweather"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather"; line-height: 18.2px;">So after Pisa, we head to Rome, the heart of Italy!</span></span></span></div>
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We arrived quite late already. Sooooo sleeeeppyyyy</div>
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Taking the train..the outside sure looks nasty. But the inside...</div>
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The next morning, bright and early, we went to the Vatican City, the heart of Christianity (so they say).</div>
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The city isn't that big, most of it is the church and cathedrals. </div>
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We didn't buy the tickets in advance, so we had to queue. The queue was very long, but that wasn't the worst part. There were some ignorant, rude pricks that tried to cut the queue. One family (yes..a family, a mum, a dad and two young kids...good example they're showing those kids of theirs) actually got through us. We didn't even notice until suddenly they were standing in front of us, acting all innocent. It was up to the people in front of us to stop them from passing through again. When this 'family' managed to pass through, some more aliens tried to do the same thing, coming from the back. So my friends and I formed some sort of a fort. Poor my bestie because there's this one older lady, she's in the heavy department, tried to push through her by acting as if she wanted to sit on the railings. I told her to stand her grounds!! Even other people behind and in front of us started to get annoyed at this kind of behaviour. </div>
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This was our first bad impression of the Italians. Mind you, these queue-cutting-rude people are Italians. I didn't see any foreigners doing the same thing. Another thing that you need to be aware of when you queue for the Vatican City are people that offer tours. There are many of them, probably legit, but it's quite pricey than you just buy the ticket yourself. You don't need a tour inside anyway, you can just read about them yourself. </div>
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After finally managed to get through and buy our tickets, we went inside. It took us about 20 minutes waiting. It wasn't that bad if you think about it because we arrived quite early in the morning.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRQMar36tGOr_DheIqSm2IKDKLGJWdKuvrD3DXaZNDdtRZlKYoDS54G6QPcQueYvWlrRk2ECrptmkOOivnu7AboUBc0abaNByw38yhlmp_QbzGb0k6YfBvOsyIaYFfWGMIR7MLiMNbMPP/s640/DSCF2837.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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As you went up the stairs, you'll go to this foyer. I'm not going to show you the whole gallery inside this city (because there's too many).</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KWUI98QWLGsYJ7_ZwoWVG6sO5T72boJC2VQHToDw8jzgebPLTBUVX3YI9WD9qauxwKGUb5hKQ5706ao5exB9pwot9Bk1f5jh9zPcVMnJYhcrBm_sbzfXqK1wfMOdvArQNLDjz4EpdiIp/s640/IMG20160407123443.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1HUFjayfpKI4xh3mzfM_cYkmxtD3hNDHcEUgTHlimoK6St5EpPzpkYHQr2QPIC882iuGqLxd3xspAs1-5O1H_V6GZqfsEksMPzh9F2GkpASNzIUTkXFuuRRylg9Wyu43XcJNJ_sUoCTk/s640/DSCF2821.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The main thing that I want to see here is the one at the back, Sistine Chapel. It's famous for the painting on the ceiling made by Michelangelo. I'll show later on in this post.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvlQMKP532WUGOLnte3WMcsy22U1_niF_8eCgy6yl65ApUEIcj8FPN22MPKBD0G53wkCk8-6Y9ebqk7uVOAVveGuKDhf3H77LNZSleVkSoqqUwN1y1kAflvolSCySFA0OZ2ieVIkl8nc4/s640/IMG20160407115127.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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This painting is famous in Italy as well. The last supper. The real one is actually in Milan. This is just a canvas replica of the painting.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqgb8LKJpkiQAtH3ZmZwOOEPFvfB8wRnPIDy4qcBo31OS7Al8_0d6mSDePPjcbX8V4uUew311IyT5hZrwnmLMs1Q4-yUHkj_2l1QhTqgwLaiPwb9M6rD3f67ehCbp4OZ3y9K3CdMnM3jN/s640/IMG20160407124949.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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The Vatican City is actually a huge museum, consisting of various rooms and displays. Some of them are these Egyptian marble jars. Remember The Mummy? Yup, these actually existed. The part about the curse is to be determined. =P</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiWkvmUzLKkSxkpYiBEH15MWX41PtJyZUShBJmfYjrUvEoBtl85v4vAbrJ6hyphenhyphenBLK4iCpTSvffNNHjv59mIZ4FQEpo_gxmkS3jruFCWNlX0JzhTiJ9xUAb1E90cCmVL6IEDvTyrTc6XEzC/s640/IMG20160407125807.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This is actually a letter and an envelope during the Egyptian Era. It's made out of stones!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVI-h_Fxs3KoemvKuJ0JCnRqzsQT4UvBw8ujBZ2Z4fXJ1eoyBRN2fzlZLFKFFYGFArVIazyoQAxdIf5pAJ3ftfoKLKyCkraAcpUt_9axN57oiZF2-mAfao9NkLaQIJnDq2NiF4UXg1wnrH/s640/DSCF2844.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Part of the Holy Quran. Amazing!!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvP4N-KhNyTjjwmBX-QUI9IPH8fP-jcSFXx1lgPgJfkgrqQt_2LNqiihnyL0J84XvKctO0VeIbgdE9Ps3IV9dmioCs9KyVc01A1E60IuZswYygWB120okTNMRdbHjSVN77uzHeCOcXlOm/s640/DSCF2831.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Another Muslim in the Italian history. And they say there's no place for a Muslim at the west. They should read their own history more.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2IEHb_13u1IANcB5RTI3ywMnzgqTKNZezDZFO8z84Id-e17ZwOVFnKZW4EbORSmjxwkrFtSpuFzBFM_Lv2mkhI28wyAATv3kqSeBEySKFH2LnRQMzC2IHaijguNaoUXVJdENsCPeHU5X/s640/DSCF2827.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The good shepherd. It's very renowned in the Christian history. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD53y1COxB9eTsFUJSTAUIW9GhDxnFw7OlVleXA_FjA3fODFevzLUAh1g8GWwAeIDs5irFGjcMpVHnEfkZOfHsQTbPUIoSJn_Ih2Lb8iz2_PCkNM2aVUVXpJZoccPLoc4fRFrWEiGF8eb/s640/DSCF2854.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The halls are covered with such beautiful decor from the walls to the ceilings. These are the only thing that I was interested in. Other displays are all about Christian paintings (which are all made up stories by the artists) and nude statues.</div>
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Last, the most important is the Sistine Chapel. You must know this painting.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qhCJg-0jaC8UsZXRpiwyj7e1d-7n7tScDL6mzEsOSyjilAaanKB9Klc42vMbC0w3njnfNbQClyr5UAg6c9OYEb-vcd_dykzzi0jVngIIwEu2xMLDonFvqCfE_fKj6d_nSRhU69JdWcvb/s640/DSCF2856.JPG" width="426" /></div>
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This is the famous painting. Actually, inside the Sistine Chapel, you can't take any pictures since the space is still being used for holy gatherings such as the Pope Francis's election in 2013. We did this illegally since the opportunity to capture it is hard to pass on. I love art, and this piece is one of my favourite. </div>
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<img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpA6YkRrJEXLKZMqdeDlESOA7mrZdkIM4vvx-z0NuuBRpfJh0Pwsv3pecD-A_snl8cB0c462E3uYFGD2GfE9FV8h5U5IUG3AV0SDu0_f4ANEDqOoi_OUcZS3FxZQKXpwkgBWoghMMyZfjT/s640/zoom.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Let's see it up close shall we...You must know the middle picture. It's very famous. If you want to read about it, here's one suggested <a href="http://www.italianrenaissance.org/a-closer-look-michelangelos-painting-of-the-sistine-chapel-ceiling/">source.</a></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksqyuxCmoXqwqLhe94jKaZGskx34r-lnB3pkRXLnCy4T0M6LSABp5qSRgkpX_lN3pEv_j8Nk_hW0HHczZpeTMYyrjjO2CQf0WqzwKpIFxGuKLxf3rMCs9-5deUaEOX2cdp1VDeHtjy5zd/s640/DSCF2862.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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After all the art that we saw, our tummy was already rumbling so hard.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tQ6Q5iH1ZV-5GMr4QEXRegKFxtxbre8OyR4ScTchMaOT0mf1Jr77fCgRiAxak0bJ06al0DFqdBKW_ylVWu9nY0Ihw39NA8M2nSMXYkuZwlsRNbTuXFSZ4yMxNplTMNeudwbFQh7nmlor/s640/IMG20160407141150.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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While we were queuing earlier, someone hands out a pamphlet to my bestie for a halal restaurant nearby. So we went to look for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8k2xih6HLAQwrubr3m7O8BI5han0-NdOxGwXvdZRObKNKusJR4taETK2c35Rl29Ko8FfSnMEZSywY_jcSUXlrJlnx67lCam53V7ZMn3xEZFhiA3UeiU2_ppK8VWLIMugLE9l8IIAC-5P/s1600/IMG20160407142728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8k2xih6HLAQwrubr3m7O8BI5han0-NdOxGwXvdZRObKNKusJR4taETK2c35Rl29Ko8FfSnMEZSywY_jcSUXlrJlnx67lCam53V7ZMn3xEZFhiA3UeiU2_ppK8VWLIMugLE9l8IIAC-5P/s640/IMG20160407142728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The owner is actually from the middle east. He was very kind and friendly. The food was mediocre, however. I can cook a better pasta, for sure. =P</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW6LNm0OE8FdNn2ChI8SCj1trbXuLEFz-rdik_mvZZE9ki5w_H11NbLqLHZ8frbnAM7Fcgw-Er1X9LE0iwKH_7nRTyh9mgTg0pfyxs-QjD7otoiGYql5UP_jho-tlKwU2Tbyfy6bdq4VM/s640/IMG20160407145228.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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But the dessert, ooh lala...so good. The tiramisu was up to Italian standards.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkA3ifoTw7TKCO47tvrwUfnkfn9tqc_K69ftXTTxFyiCXqm8MI_Zol50oMxpK6lMJvagg8K6Wa8hKW9IjU_Zu_QDvfhClz0dUI5DmrkxLy9-Z7i1wA4K4rZNbEFma0gvEEfFtNBqj2fb9r/s640/IMG20160407162521.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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This is how the Italians make their coffee called a Moka Pot. I wanted to buy, but I don't even know how to use them. Our accommodations had Moka Pots. I tried using them, but couldn't get a feel to it. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbAVJOx8gpiFmwu3QC-G3ofqAqlAHf2CFOpaQlAXZN-nt6-jMc9cL-ei-wM7EiLYmjFFTTokeUE4MivaHdkGPXGJrIuQpciQzdaufi5K5CKk2IQtUwbLKpsQ7r0Faj95JeHSFg4018mfd/s640/DSCF2894.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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After Vatican City, we went to the centre of Rome. See the building in front? That's actually a mall. Yup! Believe it.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31nfRPHJ7UvF3NMMmenoIjBkjwVs5BSdA15JjC7XI-Z0BJyBkgCEr3RFgH6E4s-aVOutyPrQ5S52BFX6PuXfsak7D51rudm_oLDFp47tizSocymjzZ1DDQXNk3AHGCqKCpaA9RyW5_wVi/s640/IMG20160407163927.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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We went to the bookshop inside the mall..</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8goQkM4zURhz-FkzOpwCHAkgF_MNk9xYFK64qHUQ9q5RuRTcbEKBfE1U4BkMP1ZVQ99KeS-dubgQK0uZ6RbH4N2VCiOkmjd2Qam0IBhwrCE-MJHSVZKRCZcCG3IwUtpZO5M1uQMKXB7X/s640/IMG20160407164207.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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And found a cafe with a view. So we decided to have a cuppa and rest a bit. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YM_duSo-L6X5X4QRrEVQnpeHYG6dSPiD4ecymbinTN3FHmDh6kNWe9345CkHYX8CIdt_OXkRL4WTL14EhbXtGr4hrHJRve1V3S8lQQZBAUih0wVWlsFj5kZ1hLylmGqKhmlW2jNNon-O/s640/DSCF2888.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Image made from multiple images. Awesome!!</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoIP_TA4aQJP7LETWn2qY5e9TAhiRA2ip3tQd7ylZD0kXPJufgM59tY2ju6DFxRmjQH_VxsZW9vwyAqlxkUdKv1K1Bphnx7WS8XIkuH03tF4lFoi2zAiMgCQoNHiH8gx8arvbgLO_drTQ/s640/DSCF2891.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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I love the architecture in Italy. It is very detailed. Look at this post. Seemed like an ordinary post? Look again...</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuCDHi5GbD-qDinmsDKNMrY-B29DuB032DXqS95Ie46wHtTl4k-Q-llAJPj-Tu-F9i0nkgjW_q9boohHMnpEiTmqsQxdC77_K9f6cuqB12Tza55sznZnXJXJg6Ku1WbLsEnu4sR2MwhKm/s640/DSCF2892.JPG" width="306" /></div>
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Each curve, each groove has a very detailed and unique carvings and stories.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLJ1HWU-dynVcdZ1XA9N4Ocp5dPKQqH_E-cufpj0ZSAeT7J92X11txyjK6SvF0XZD2_Kza_oJiKaHLmA7A4N7wNK1jWy52T8Uo_bx_6LbA5ln93ySSbV9GSttLhtj0SHhXnnK0gOjKEii/s640/DSCF2808.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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In Italy, when you want to cross the road (at a crossing with no lights), you just go ahead and walk, and the cars will stop. You can't wait for the cars to stop by themselves (like in the UK), because they won't. This happened to us when we waited and waited, but the cars just flow through so fast with no intention of stopping, until a local man just walk pass with no care in the world, and the cars stopped. huhu...so we followed his lead throughout our journey.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhibg5LM7CKQbI22Dc98MVLzy4OOPG1YjJtxK07C_I3njGQj4LhnhZddf0g8Fx43t3I-XIQ7QXSrcSWLJ9VOwxFbT5UzwmPNA5F-eQeimO9OsIzLFxs2aef5JkafnNFB43z9n619mybbC/s640/DSCF2871.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Afterwards, we walked to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), which is the most famous and largest fountain in Italy. </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0c6oB5D6zwUAhgGVqLA5YlPp_C1i4-mSh08Z_eIKo5cdwrWiTatemrhPZeILwdRSHrIesx_mgt02ssRkmMe4DYUcD7-NETQ1qcvFs4ggWfKUQ8KXcHHJOfFUcLn3MWNkeGDEigORwUYr/s640/DSCF2883.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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See all the people? Hence the fame.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt8sb1X2EHdat0H9GSUen11XFj4-yH4eeZW4FW2VnU4oQxdPL4o576TnZ9ibQMkQUVUIoSxTGzk2lRapARsXn82LdLyqEPnKZdkxr6LgY-8OaJYksIKMsWoT7sRHkA2EbVxq4hzj5FPYo/s640/IMG20160407160335.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I managed to get a seat beside the fountain, but my friends were seating far away and I couldn't call them. Hence, the selfie. hehe...</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3zI12k4NDglE0czaGWj-k7-yJYShCPmS1P4E6glGX0-MkVGo9z31gcMueNkYPa8u066lougpax5pOrRC6XRy6y2Y4TNC35gVbqiTG0cSHcIrZfqMwqCoq8a_CQCnXR5CDmNrAaW5Tniu/s640/DSCF2897.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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After the fountain, we walked to the Pantheon.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="line-height: 20px;">Dedicated to the worship of every god (Pan-every Theon-divinity), the Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 A.D. over the ruins of another temple dating back to 27 A.D. Statesman and General Marcus Agrippa was responsible for the construction of the original church, to whom a dedicatory inscription is clearly visible over today’s magnificent portico.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 609, it was converted into a Christian Church by Pope Boniface IV and consecrated to Santa Maria of the Martyrs. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Turned into a memorial chapel for the kings of Italy in 1870, the tombs of Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy are to be found here together with that of the celebrated Renaissance Artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, who is more often referred to as simply Raphael.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> -<a href="http://www.turismoroma.it/cosa-fare/pantheon?lang=en">source</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi_Qqf0uO8o-Tw-zg4FNluA5medZybWc5Egf9InQDamL99HWLtFG8clocceK3X4JjXUAjZaZQBnbOWW7gvyUC6Pxbo9q4dRqg-7k0qDl9rwHxjKaHhV7kS7DgnEFh8tbeR88ycMiUWpHL/s640/DSCF2901.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Pantheon is famous in Greek Mythology too, but they're not the same.</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoAGYLjsdZmUyFXC7hFirTNDLgF0mVJU8bdz4ukijNL19pjtU7LI6jZFLZyJNGtGPLb600cvS-E85AS7b5OTbJipLUFzEO7xUj6Xz9L2WJzAr9-B21wHZC4gcsgg-HJVm2KGjIZw6ZioU/s640/DSCF2904.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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We didn't enter since none of us are interested to see the tombs. </div>
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That's the end of our first day in Rome..before we went back, we stopped by a supermarket and saw this...</div>
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<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ok1VxTqTBGNW3gbjyQoFOs0rwhZR_0Mi1xUQ_AOuQ6GxTV9NLLwaq1IebZxuRCSnlsbAS44DJTDnw8uskFsDIpI_Zpj7L6mHE4WqAWiUzpQcNPp6-J45tLA-ZiGYc1aMeZ6dm_5ROhdc/s400/DSCF2914.JPG" width="400" /><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFoN0hzMJRg-b1Pyl0roj6Ioq7w9wMoD3L5ghaVHq5pUMymXbXWxHglndQsX-pYDYE6KsaYruKDANDClZNkVJxISPpLqAXo9g6yZIZ7eHG6ALrJS2zCIIamPC9_03vomp7iKnt_2s5e-G/s400/DSCF2917.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="400" /></div>
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This is called a roman broccolli. Spikey! huhu...</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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ctaminah88http://www.blogger.com/profile/18173720191780722075noreply@blogger.com0