Luxembourg

I should be studying for my FCA exams but I thought a little break would do. After all, its not always I have the free time to update my blogs. Today, I'll do a travel diary of a trip I made to Europe in December 2016 with a couple of friends. 

16 - 17 December 2016
I been working the whole year and thought I needed the break so I casually asked my dad if I should make a trip to Melbourne or the UK. Surprisingly he was "Yeah, lets buy the ticket now before your mum changes my mind". My mum believe that my dad shouldn't pay for my trips which I totally agree. But you all know, it was hard to resist! Just to note, this was the only trip my dad paid for me in the two years I was working. Cut myself some slack.

So I decided to called up my friends in the UK to see if they are free and THEY WERE. Even had a good friend from Melbourne who joined me on this trip. This whole trip was just a great big adventure as it wasn't an easy trip for me. A week before I flew off, I fell from the staircase and was admitted to the hospital with the torn toe. Did a surgery to get it fixed and doctor say I wasn't allow to travel. I was so excited for this trip and wasn't going to give it up for this. Promised my parents I wouldn't walk so much, rest well, eat right, etc etc etc and I left for UK anyway.

I was limping throughout the whole trip and I was in a wheelchair in the airport. People were so kind in helping me out. I was in Bristol first before meeting up with my friends to head to Luxembourg. Okay back to my trip to Luxembourg..totally got side track. To be honest, we pick this place because it was 9 pounds from Ryan Air! We stay for about 3 nights but in actual fact we had only a full day there. We arrive on the first night and left early in the morning on the third day.

So how did we spend our time there? Since it was Winter, it was mandatory to visit the Christmas Market. We stayed at town called Esch-sur-Alzette, about 40 minutes away from the city. Took the bus into the city early in the morning and my friend, Kah Yee so excited to see the Christmas Market then she fell down right after getting off the bus and crossing over to the other side. She was a really funny girl. We asked if she was okay, she said now we have two limping girls and that she shouldn't have make fun of me limping.

We head over to the Christmas Market and had our brunch. This was my first Christmas Market and this entire trip, I been to at least one every day in each city.

Almost all the Market were of this theme and it was so prettyyyy. At the same time super cold. 

One of the gifts that you take back from the markets is these little cute cups. First, you ordered their Mull Wine and you can decide if you want to keep this cup. Well of course you pay extra but it's only about 1 or 2 pounds more. And yes, I got this cup here. Just something to remember about the Christmas Market there. 

So this is my funny friend, Kah Yee who gets overly excited for food and does the most ridiculous pose ever but one of the best friends you can get. This dish might look so simple but it was sooooo good. The chicken meat was tender and when you squeeze lemon over them, it gets better.

So after our small little meal, we head over to the city centre. I found it really pretty but as it is Winter. The buildings weren't of bright colour which made it look really dull. It was peaceful and considering its the school holiday, it wasn't as crowded so it was indeed a good place to start our trip. It was also the last thing we did there. After walking around the city for a good 4-5 hours we just head back to another Christmas Market and had dinner there before going back home.

After did a little exploration around the city, we starting doing the tourist sightseeing and these were the few places we manage to go. As there were two limping Jills, we did only what we could and did not visit everything.

Bock and City Casement

This is a UNESCO Heritage side and also the first underground tunnels built in 1644 during the Spanish domination. You can opt to visit the inner part where you have to pay 6 euro for adults, 5 euro for student and 3 euro for children. We did not paid to enter but we walked around the outer part and man, it was huge. Took us about 1 hour ish just to explore the outer part. 

It might look really dull and that's because of the gloomy skies. My friends went during the summer and the view were alive. Completely different. But gotta admit, winter has its winter beauty. This gives you a historic feels and make you feel like you living in their at era but with more modern clothing. So, this would be the shots you'll be getting if you are just exploring the outer part of it. 

A sunny day in Luxembourg will give you a different experience while exploring all the various sightseeing landmarks. Head on over to this link here for another write up on One Day in Luxembourg!

This building here is also another UNESCO heritage sites right on the bridge into the city. I can't remember exactly what it was called but we just wonder around and stumble upon it. 

Place Guillaume II

This town square called Place Guillaume II on the south of Luxembourg where we found another Christmas Market and also where we then ate again! 

This Christmas Market was much more lively than the first one we went to as that one was a small one. This one has a performance stage which kept us company. We just spend our time walking around the city but not going around. It was super cold and hard to walk. I had very little pictures here as well. With a limping leg and the cold, it was really hard to get my hands out to kept taking photo. Wasn't use to the cold yet. 

If you are wondering what the city look like at night, I manage to get one or two shots. I gotta admit years ago my photography skills might not be the best one. I am still improving now trying to get better shots. 

Even at night, the city look very pretty with all the lights up. It was an eventful day. We were exhausted. Extremely tired for some reasons. Probably Wu Ping and Jie Yvin had to hold us both who were limping the day. They even came up with this curse that I put on them where whoever laugh at me on my limping leg, they'll fall. It wasn't just Kah Yee. Wu Ping make fun of me and then he almost fell right on his face. He manage to catch his balance but he was just taking one step down and for some reason he just fell straight on the ground. 

I definitely did not curse them. This was also the first day the four of us travelling together and the first day 3 of them met. We all got along really well which was great. 

Wefieeeee... Wu Ping don't take much photos but this one of the few he is in! Gosh.. when's the next time we will be travelling together? 

This was a natural candid. We weren't sure what we laughing at but definitely something Kah Yee said. Oh... the good times we had in that trip. We had another girl joining us half way in Denmark! Haven't wrote anything about other places yet but if you see another girl, yeap thats her and another one crazy girl.

This was the beginning for all of us and also we totally didn't see what was coming after when we left for Germany. A lot of things happened but we had a lot of fun. Typing this down just got me thinking and smiling at all the times we did crazy talk and crazy things together. 

Also, now that I am two years older since this trip. I don't look as young as well. Looking forward and preparing to start my new job soon! 

Signing off.. Will be writing on the following trips we went after Luxembourg.  Germany, Prague and Budapest. Short stop in Denmark!

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The Originals Season 5 Finale (Final Thoughts)

Source: Google Image

The end of Klaus and Elijah life were the closing to The Originals. I knew they were going to kill one lead character. Little did I expect, it was two character. Elijah was my favourite originals except this season. I wouldn't say this season was exceptionally dramatic but it feels like it was in the rush trying to make flow to the ending of the life of the Great Klaus.

Here are my few final thoughts on the show.

Klaus Character Build Up 
Klaus Mikaelson, the big bad wolf from The Vampire Diaries. He never really had the heart and kills as he likes. All of these change when Hope enter into his life. We watch how his character was actually a complex individual with daddy's issue. Camille and Caroline (Both starting with C) were the two woman he love and would convince him to do good. Ultimately, his own fresh blood got him to be more human than ever.

I loves how he did not follow his daddy footsteps in trying to kill his children and hunt them for centuries. I love how they build up his character at the end. It was no surprise that he was going to be the one dying to end the finale. The pattern in TVD where Stephan, the lead cast died as well. It was basically the similar style that the tv series ending.

Did Elijah and Klaus had to die together?

Source: Google Image

My favourite part of the entire series is how they uphold "Forever and Always". It was always the dynamic duo for this two. Elijah ultimate goal was to help Klaus redeem himself which he finally succeeded with the help of Hope. Did anyone realise that all the woman Elijah loves or once loved all had their life ended in tragedy? I understand how we are all frustrated that Elijah died but then again, what's left for him. Kol is living a life with the woman he love and Rebekah is turning human. Freya has Keelin and definitely capable to take care of herself. Hayley is dead. All he has left to protect is Hope but she would not forgive him for what he has done.

He lived a good life for years in France, to for once not follow Klaus around, helping him to redeem himself. I like to think that Elijah would have an afterlife with Hayley, keeping up the last dance promise. The end of the Originals ended with the brothers who started it. 

Caroline, yet again lost someone she love

I rooted for Klaroline so much and I am really disappointed that it did not even happen in this season. Couldn't they write a better romance story for Caroline? First, Tyler then Stephan and now Klaus. I love how they build up her character so well but I really don't like how her part of the story goes. The only thing she is left with is the twins and Alaric. 

She did had Klaus back this time round but only to see the end of him. Not before him bringing her around New Orleans. That voice message though, she saved it after all these years. I hope the story of her in Legacy would be better. I am sure she would be in it. After all, she started the school for the gifted and is headmistress. 

Favourite Scenes : Family Dinner

The only picture I could online on my favourite scene of this episode.

We never actually had the full family gathering of all the Mikaelson, or at least the remaining ones. This was the first of it and I really like how they were laughing and not stabbing each other. At the same time, it made me cry knowing that its Klaus and Elijah final moments. Marcel came over to tell Hope he will always be there for her. At least, we know that there is still one strong vampire who got Hope's back now that Klaus and Elijah is gone. 

Ending 

The way they stab each other and just burn away in ashes. What happen to the afterlife??? Its bad enough we have a sad ending but we did not see their afterlife. At least give us fans something good at the ending. We do see Hayley visiting Hope so we know she's good. It wouldn't hurt for a short 2 minutes scene of that for Klaus and Elijah

After everything we all gone through from TVD and Originals, the ending was just..... I do not have words to describe except that I wish it would have been better. 

Also, Davina was the main cast for the first few seasons but they did not even mention her. I am curious but I wish they did. 

Overall, I definitely did not like how the story ended but it goes make sense that Julie Plec wrote it that way. I'll miss The Originals. Feels like a part of me gone to be honest. Every year, TVD and The Originals are the two series I will wait for and chase for it weekly. I hope to still see them in Legacy although I do believe its time for the younger generation to take over. 

All my favourite character of the entire Originals series. I guess you'll have me as a loyal fans watching all your movies. Its been a good five (5) seasons!

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Mayfield Lavendar Farm

31st July 2018

The first day after my official term end for my postgraduates study. Also counting down to 5 days till my freedom ends as I am starting work on the 6th August 2018. Don’t get me wrong but I’ll trilled and excited to get back for some real work. 

Either ways, today I decided to take a short day trip to Lavendar Farm in Mayfield. I’ve visited a similar lavendar farm back in Adelaide but it was scorching hot that the plants look really dead. I would really like to see healthy purple lavender fields and hence, my trip there.

Took a tfl rail from Farringdon Station to Horsham. It’s about 5 stops before we get off at South Croydon Station and then take bus 166 to the farm. 

So here’s me in a floral dress I got from H&M for 6 pounds. What a steal! :) Selfie while Waiting for the train to come pick me up!

After 1.5 hours, finally arrive at the place. Bus 166 literally drop you off in front of the Lavendar Farm. Entrance fee is 2 pound. Unbelievably cheap. Would really advise you guys to bring cash rather than having to go to the counter pay by card and then bring over to the ticket seller to get the tics.

I had fun there taking a lot of nice photos. The farm is legit. It’s massive and huge! The Lavendar plants are all healthy so you really purple fields. As usual I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Here goes...

Weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot and there was a slight wind. You get a bit of sunshine once awhile but it’s not enough to burn you. To those who are afraid of bees, there’s a lot everywhere but they do not sting. I guess as long you do not bother them, they’ll be friendly to you too.

And next’s up are the shots my friend got for me. I am not much of a photogenic person but the pictures turn out really good. We deduce that the landscape made every photo worthy. With a blue sky and purple field, what else could go wrong?

Notice that my arm are of two tone. Sadly, this was the results of me travelling around during the hot sun last two weeks. However, the beauty of the field kind of compensate for the mismatch and uneven skin tone colour. :)

I took gazillion of shots but these were my favourites! I even sat there just observing how nature can be so beautiful for 30 minutes. So I spend about 1.5 hours around the field and head over to the pop up store to get some sourvenirs. If you are a big Lavendar fan, there’s Lavendar tea, soap, chocolates, jam, body lotion and perfume bags. There’s even snack bar and ice cream, of course Lavendar flavour! 

Did a short tea time there before heading back to the city. Even though it was a fairly short day trip, I found it really relaxing. There was no rush and it was just me and nature and a friend third wheeling us. I gotta say the time you spend in the farm is shorter than your travelling hours there. Well, if you are keen on just walking around the neighbourhood there, you could but its pretty much like all other residential area. For more information about the farm, you can visit their website here.

Overall, I really enjoy myself and I would say if you want insta worthy photo then you’ll in for a treat. :) The best times are apparently from end of June up till end of August. I got really lucky with the weather today. Its been a long time since I've travel to a place just for nature and I am glad I made this trip. You know what they always say about Nature...

" A walk in Nature walks the Soul back Home"

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