tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63036066051162594222024-03-13T23:37:25.848+08:00Stuck in Tiny SingaporeStuck in the heat trap called Singapore as an expat wife, this blog centers around my passion:
my 2 golden retrievers and my love to travel. Come and join me on my adventures to remain sane in Singapore. With my goldies, we volunteer with the Therapy Dogs Singapore. Follow us there and also on our travels in and around this tiny island nation.
Enjoy your stay and hope you like the blog.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-34002490352051606412013-10-25T00:00:00.000+08:002013-11-04T22:32:55.645+08:00Travelogue: Road Trip to France - Part 2 Loire ValleyAfter reaching Calais, we had a 6 hours drive to our holiday rental south of Loches. Loire Valley is a huge area and we have decided to concentrate on the area east of Tours. We found a holiday rental which was doggie friendly just south of Loches.<br />
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After a night's rest, we headed to the beautiful town of Amboise for the day. Unfortunately, the weather was bad. The rain was coming down non-stop. Despite that, you can see how beautiful Amboise is. The town sits on left bank of Loire with the Chateau towers above the town and the river.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amboise</td></tr>
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You can't come to Amboise without visiting the Chateau. The tickets are 10.50 Euros each. There is plenty to cover inside, so take your time. I am not going to go into the history, just enjoy the pictures :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up to Chateau 'd Amboise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chapel of Saint Hubert where Leonardo da Vinci is buried</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Left: View of Amboise town below, Top Right: Chateau d'Amboise, Bottom left: View of Amboise, Bottom Right: View across Loire</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Chateau d'Amboise Grounds</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-80186493300342001832013-10-18T09:00:00.000+08:002013-10-18T09:00:00.206+08:00Travelogue: Road Trip to France - Part 1 Crossing the Channel<br />
At the end of August, the whole family (parents, husband and dogs included) went on a 2 week road trip to France. We planned a week in the Loire Valley, and a week in Brittany. It went fantastic!!! This was our second time bringing the dogs on a road trip to France. Armed with their pet passport and our 4x4 packed, we drove from home all the way down to Folkestone to catch the Eurotunnel over to Calais. Last time, we took the Ferry due to a strike on the Eurotunnel. So we were quite apprenhensive as we didn't know what to expect. All fears were blown out of the window, once we started our journey. It was raining cats and dogs on the day itself which was horrible as we got there early and had to make sure the doggies had their wee before we packed them back in the car to go on our merry way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy day at the Eurotunnel</td></tr>
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The experience of driving into a train carriage was amazing. We had a tall 4x4, so ended up booking to go in the single deck carriage. If you have a normal car, you would go into a double deck carriage which I think is much more interesting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carriages open out to allow the cars to drive into the train</td></tr>
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Once you are in the train carriage, the Eurotunnel staff would guide you and all loaded, they would closed down the gates between the carriages. The journey itself took 35 minutes, and the loading of all vehicles were really quick. We reached France really quickly, and the carriages reopened and you drove off into France. It was super easy and the waiting time was very reasonable. Best of all, the dogs get to stay with you in the car. Unlike taking the Ferry from Dover across to Calais, where the trip takes 1.5 hours, you have to leave your dogs in the car during the entire journey. A bit unnerving I would say, so if you are travelling with your dogs, I would definitely recommend taking the Eurotunnel. It is more costly, but the shorter journey time and for the dogs, it is the far superior choice. You pay £15 for each animal each way and it is very easy. At check in, you just have to let the attendant know that you have animals in the car, and they will give you a sticker to place on your car so that any Eurotunnel staff will know there are animals in your vehicle, and that's it. No red tape, special queues etc, very easy to take your dogs with you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are in France</td></tr>
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On arrival, we just drive out of the train and voila! we are in France. Just bear in mind to drive on the right and you will be alright.<br />
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Join me next on the Loire Valley Leg of our trip. It was a 6 hours drive from Calais to where our gite rental was in the Loire Valley, south of Loches. Stay tune.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-13786952142478421992013-10-11T23:56:00.001+08:002013-10-14T22:58:45.135+08:00We went to France on a road trip and came back with a holiday home!I am so sorry!!! I went AWOL for 3 more months!!!I thought moving back to the UK means a slower pace of life......but I am afraid it's not. Life has its up and its down, you can plan for everything but in the end, it is not going to go exactly as planned.<br />
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We went to France on a two week road trip, a week in Loire Valley and a week in Brittany. Since the husband is French, he had always wanted to buy a second home in France. We toyed with the idea a few years back in the Perpignan area, but never took the plunge. We procrastinated for too long and the inertia kicked in and we ended up with nothing.<br />
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So it was super out of character that we bought something. I found several properties that were interested and great value for the money, so I had arrange a viewing with the agent prior to leaving on our holiday. Three properties were lined out and the second one was a love at first sight. It had everything we wanted and more. So long story short, we went for a second viewing, two days later, made an offer on the day and had it accepted. One thing great about the French buying system is everything goes on smoothly. There is no gazumping like in the British system, so in less than 3 weeks time, the house will be ours!!!<br />
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It is call La Coyere Gites, situated in the peaceful hamlet of La Coyere outside of Noyant in Maine-et-Loire area of the Loire Valley. It consists of 3 houses, the farmhouse (owner's accommodation) with 4 bedrooms, the Cottage with 2 bedrooms and the Wine Store with 1 bedroom. The Cottage and the Wine Store are let out as holiday lets or gites as they called it in France. And we will continue with what the previous owners did, and will continue to let it out as holiday rentals.<br />
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This is why I have been busy with and have not been blogging. So stay tune to my new adventure of running a pair of French Gites. If you are looking for accommodation for your up and coming holiday in the Loire Valley, why not check us out. We are having Christmas promotions if you are looking for a short break for your Christmas/ New Year holidays. Check out our website at <a href="http://www.stayinloire.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.stayinloire.com</span></a> for more details and photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuuYLwdrX8w/Ulgdf-J44kI/AAAAAAAAENc/9mkFdiEc17M/s1600/logo1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuuYLwdrX8w/Ulgdf-J44kI/AAAAAAAAENc/9mkFdiEc17M/s400/logo1+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Logo and website <a href="http://www.stayinloire.com/">http://www.stayinloire.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Front Courtyard, Left: View of the pool and grounds, Right: Swimming pool with large deck</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top left: View of the Cottage & Wine Store, Top right: The Cottage, Bottom Left: Bedroom in the Wine Store, Bottom Right: View of Farmhouse</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com049490 Noyant, France47.512893 0.1144140000000106747.42708 -0.046947499999989317 47.598706 0.27577550000001066tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-88216404065202726872013-07-03T01:18:00.000+08:002013-07-03T01:18:09.412+08:00MIA for half a year!<div style="text-align: justify;">
First - a big apology for being missing in action for more than half a year! Life has taken an unexpected turn. The family has been moved back to the UK due to my husband's work. Boy, has it been a hectic few months!! Since we had gotten the news back in last September, it had been a whirlwind of a time. Moving, dealing with so many things had taken me away from my blog. Furthermore, now that I am back in the UK, the title of my blog is irrelevant? Should I keep it? Changed it? Maybe put " No more" at the back of the title to signify that I'm no longer stuck in Singapore?? Anyway, that all aside, I'm back and settled ....sort of. Hopefully, the worst is over, and now I will have more time to dedicate to writing about my travels again and life back in this side of the world?</div>
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Okay, let's do a short summary first. It would explain why I didn't have time to blog. It's been so crazy.</div>
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September 2012 - News broke that we were moving back to the UK.</div>
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September 2012 - Trip back to UK to do house hunting. We sold our UK house a year back, and so we needed a place as finding a rental for my whole gang of furries = impossible.</div>
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October 2012 - Did a trip to South Island in New Zealand since it would be really too far to travel from the UK.</div>
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October 2012 - Another trip back to UK, as previous trip was a failure as we didn't find a house to buy.</div>
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November 2012 - Did several trips to Malaysia - Malacca, Kuala Lumpur & Penang before leaving Singapore. (Why? 3 years in Singapore and we barely visited Malaysia. The usual - procastination, thought one had more time and then we didn't. So in a mad rush, we decided to do a few keys places in Malaysia)<br />
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January 2013 - Third trip back to the UK - another househunting trip as the previous two did not yield any results. Husband stayed on and started work in the UK</div>
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March 2013 - The big move. The rest of the family including furries embarked on our move back to the UK. We spent almost 2 months in a holiday rental while waiting for our house to be finished before moving in.</div>
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May 2013 - Finally we moved into our house. Chaos as we had not broadband and thus no blogging, no nothing!!! Tom, my cat had also been diagnosed with Squamous cell cancer of his nose. So after many trips to the vets, he ended up with a nosectomy etc etc.<br />
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June 2013 - Off on our holiday which we booked last year - our 2nd Alaska Cruise. This time it was a Northbound cruise. My parents joined us on this trip, so we did the Canadian Rockies again, followed by the cruise and we took them to Las Vegas. Almost a repetition of 2012 trip!<br />
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July 2013 - Finally all the madness is over, I can breathe again.</div>
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Now that I've explained myself, I feel better. I can't believe that we have moved 4 times across 3 countries in 4 years. However, during this 4 years, I've done so much of travelling and seen more of the world, that I don't regret a moment of it. It's been stressful but exciting. I've reconnected with old friends and made great new friends. Now I'm starting another new chapter of my life, I am both apprehensive and excited. Where my life will lead to, I have no idea. Let's just follow me on this new journey :) Thanks for your patience and please continue to support my blog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are back!!!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-61042149889602250952012-11-07T10:33:00.000+08:002012-11-07T10:33:17.896+08:00I've neglected my blog!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
To the few people who are actually reading my blog - a big apology for disappearing for the past couple of months. I have been crazy busy with life. Other than the hectic travelling - which I usually loves. This couple of months, I've been travelling like mad, but I've been super stressed about it. The reason being is that we are repatriating back to UK but instead of a straightforward when, we have been stringed along for a month before being told exactly when. Thus explaining my recent last minute trip to the UK for 3 weeks and the least amount of planning I've ever done for a trip - our october trip to New Zealand which almost didn't happen. </div>
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Anyway long story short, we are moving back in early 2013, and I'm squeezing as many travels in between now and then. Travelling every 2 weeks is not what I call fun, more like crazy. I flew to UK for 3 weeks then came back for 2 weeks and we flew to Christchurch. At the moment, I have again 2 weeks of breathing space before I jet back to UK for another 2 weeks!!! In between, I will be visiting some friends in KL which I am looking forward to before flying to UK. So I am really sorry if I have not been updating my blog. I've so much more of my trips to write about, but I just can't. I think it will be when I am back in good old England before I can write about my adventures. And instead of being stuck in tiny Singapore, I will probably have to call my blog - No longer stuck in tiny Singapore :)</div>
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I will just put a little snippets/photos of the beautiful New Zealand. It's a beautiful country filled with friendly locals, and the sceneries are magnificent. I am glad to have a chance to visit the country twice before returning to the Northern Hemisphere. Till the next time, keep healthy and always wear a smile on your face. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOegzxUuE38/UJnHd4nhn8I/AAAAAAAAD1s/BJVks48hwtw/s1600/20121101-084035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOegzxUuE38/UJnHd4nhn8I/AAAAAAAAD1s/BJVks48hwtw/s640/20121101-084035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful sceneries of South Island</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-44850919900314186882012-10-16T09:25:00.004+08:002012-10-16T09:25:43.604+08:00Back in London <div style="text-align: justify;">
Sorry all for being MIA. Was in UK for over 3 weeks. It has been 2 years since my last visit and it was great to be back. Another friend of mine was in UK at the same time, and we had a great time checking out old hangouts and discovering new places too. We were also lucky with the weather. It was in the teens and lovely sunshine, the perfect weather for walking around. I also got to drive a lot, from London out to Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent & Surrey and it was great. After driving over 1000 miles in a manual car, I didn't grumble at all. It was therapeutic to drive in the UK as almost everyone is a polite driver. Now that I'm back in Singapore, I am missing that very much.</div>
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Lots of stuff have been happening since I'm back. The hubby and I are rushing off on our New Zealand South Island trip for 10 days. The shortest planning time I ever had for a holiday - 2 weeks! Followed by arranging to go to Kuala Lumpur for a short weekend to meet up with some friends in november. The hubby also will be popping back into London for another business trip and it is very tempting to follow along.</div>
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Anyway, here are some highlights from my trip:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fj3Xz9G8zU/UHytK12-MVI/AAAAAAAAD0c/Df2N_fjJwoI/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Fj3Xz9G8zU/UHytK12-MVI/AAAAAAAAD0c/Df2N_fjJwoI/s640/DSC_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken from the cab from Heathrow to our service apartment</td></tr>
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Sun was shining when we arrived in Heathrow. I had to snap this picture as we drove past Buckingham Palace in our cab. The sun was shining and London could not look more beautiful!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YjtK4Uuk0M/UHytEh2DPlI/AAAAAAAAD0U/9a3d9ojl40I/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YjtK4Uuk0M/UHytEh2DPlI/AAAAAAAAD0U/9a3d9ojl40I/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Canary Wharf from our service apartment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_g4bhF37Y/UHyt7SFhdVI/AAAAAAAAD0k/l_isGuxR0zI/s1600/20121008-100951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_g4bhF37Y/UHyt7SFhdVI/AAAAAAAAD0k/l_isGuxR0zI/s640/20121008-100951.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Day out</td></tr>
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The next day after I arrived, I met with my friend and off we went for a day of fun!!! We went to check out the British Museum. It was good to be back. We spent a few hours there and went for lunch. Found a quaint little french restaurant that offered a great lunch deal. My friend ordered this yummy pork belly dish. The pork was done amazingly, it was crunchy outside and soft on the inside. After the heavy lunch (plus desserts), we had to walk it off. We went from Holborn all the way to Covent Garden to Leicester Square where we checked out the the humongous M&M shop! It has 4 stories of everything M&M!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-cEEOSwC7U/UHyvFmr1h4I/AAAAAAAAD0s/uzQr8hfJOy0/s1600/20121008-1009511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-cEEOSwC7U/UHyvFmr1h4I/AAAAAAAAD0s/uzQr8hfJOy0/s640/20121008-1009511.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kent </td></tr>
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The weekend, the hubby and I picked up our rental car and went off to explore Kent. We drove over the familiar Dartford Bridge and entered Kent. We checked out the lovely quaint English villages along the River Medway. Ended up in Maidstone where we stayed for the night and went to have another lovely french meal at Cafe Rouge. The confit duck was heavenly, totally worth every ounce of fat I've ingested :p</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highlights of Hertfordshire & Bury St Edmunds</td></tr>
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My friend and I spent a lovely day exploring parts of Hertfordshire. The lower left picture was taken at the village green at Hatfield Heath where we enjoyed a lovely day sitting outside. The temperature was perfect at around 18C. Another day, I drove up to Bury St Edmunds on my own. Went up to see some friends as I used to live there before moving to Asia 4 years ago. We went for a lovely lunch followed by a walk with my friend's beautiful black lab. It was great to be back in the outdoors. I missed this lifestyle whereby the dogs get all this space to roam and fellow dog owners are gracious. Anyway I ended the day with a steal from the wednesday market in Bury with a big bag of cherries costing just a quid!! :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMoCPguyWBQ/UHywDzHqiuI/AAAAAAAAD08/5RIwcxgBG5U/s1600/20121008-1009513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMoCPguyWBQ/UHywDzHqiuI/AAAAAAAAD08/5RIwcxgBG5U/s640/20121008-1009513.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another weekend in Kent</td></tr>
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The 2nd weekend, the hubby and I popped back into Kent. This time we explored further. We went to a village which had the most beautiful postcard view ever. A lovely bridge over the river Medway, with willows swaying in the background. We had a lovely pub lounge overlooking the river and went off on the public footpaths for a lovely saturday afternoon walk. Life's just dandy!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring London</td></tr>
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The last weekend in London, we decided to spend some time exploring her. We went off back to Covent Garden and discovered an area that was new to me. I had always gone straight into Covent Garden but this time we turned left into an area known as Neal's Yard. It looked really bohemian. There were cutesy boutiques, and one of a kind shops. Even the cafes and restaurants in the yard looks really funky. A note to check it out the shops proper with a girlfriend. Hubby is not a shopper at all so I didn't want to bore him that afternoon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Part 2</td></tr>
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For Lunch, we had it planned to go for the Four Seasons Roast Duck as mentioned in my other London posts. It is the most amazing, yummylicious duck ever. Even my fussy tongue hubby loves the duck, so we went there just before the lunch crowd to grab seats to enjoy our lunch. It is still as good as I remembered. After that, we went off to Piccadilly and walked to Fortnum & Masons to pick up some goodies to bring back as gifts. I spent a good while wandering around all the selections to pick up what I wanted. Finally we were back in Canary Wharf. It has a different feel to the rest of London. It reminds me of Singapore with all the tall gleaming offices, and clean streets.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Day</td></tr>
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Three weeks came and went so quickly. Before we knew it, it was the day to fly back to Singapore. As we had some time to kill before getting the cab to the airport, we went to check out the big new Westfield mall at Stratford. It was huge and had all the known high street names in there. They even have a nice selection of restaurants and an ultra cool food court. I settled for a meatball pho as it's been a while since I had any nice soup noodles. What a great way to end my trip back to London. Will be back soon!!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-23828734476437614992012-09-10T10:47:00.005+08:002012-09-10T10:47:49.974+08:00Top ten free things to do in London<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will be travelling to London soon. It's so good to be back as the last time I was there, was April 2010, two years ago!! Truth to be told, I miss UK. I consider UK my second home. Lived there for more than a decade, most of my most important adult life was spent there. I learned to drive there, got married there, graduated with my doctorate, bought my first house and all my other properties there etc etc. You are probably getting my drift here. So I am over the moon to be flying to the UK again. So before that, I thought of writing a blog post on top ten free things to do while you are there. I wrote a recent blog <a href="http://stuckintinysingapore.blogspot.sg/2012/08/top-ten-offbeat-things-to-do-in-london.html">post</a> on the off the beat things to do in London, so this post will probably tie in nicely with the other one. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CQMWPa0ySU/UErjv9KEPRI/AAAAAAAADxY/hFHHeLteJuE/s1600/IMG_6463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CQMWPa0ySU/UErjv9KEPRI/AAAAAAAADxY/hFHHeLteJuE/s640/IMG_6463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Thame</td></tr>
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<b>No.1 Visit the Museums</b><br />
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London is full of museums that you can visit for free. These are not some freebie lousy museums but the city's top museums!!! You are spoiled for choice deciding which one to go to. These includes the British Museum on Great Russell Street, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum, all located in South Kensington. My personal favourite has to be the British Museum. It is the most visited attraction in London and one can easily understand why. It holds many great treasures ranging from the Elgin marbles to the Rosetta Stones.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6JjzTCnPSw/UEroSLTPF0I/AAAAAAAADyA/WGWF29iVckU/s1600/Great-Court-The-British-Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6JjzTCnPSw/UEroSLTPF0I/AAAAAAAADyA/WGWF29iVckU/s640/Great-Court-The-British-Museum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the British Museum</td></tr>
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<b>No.2 Visit the Parks</b><br />
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Despite being one of the busiest cities in the world, London has a wealth of beautiful parks where it's free to enter to get away from the grind of city life. Again there is a galore of parks to choose from, ranging from the famous Hyde Park to Greenwich, Richmond, Regent's and St Jame's to name a few. Any one of these parks will be great to spend a lovely afternoon in. Whether it's just people watching, or feeding the ducks, it's a perfect way to spend a quiet day and best of all - it's free!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFfTX5C42ZM/UErrNIpX5PI/AAAAAAAADyQ/8hrLuMrCKGo/s1600/london-green-park-free-backgrounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFfTX5C42ZM/UErrNIpX5PI/AAAAAAAADyQ/8hrLuMrCKGo/s640/london-green-park-free-backgrounds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>No.3 Visit the National Portrait Gallery & the National Gallery</b><br />
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Between the two galleries, you will be amazed with the number of art treasures on display. From the European classics by Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Renoir, Leonardo da Vinci at the National Gallery, will keep any serious art fanatics satisfied to seeing all the who's who list in history on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Whichever on you choose to visit, or if you have time to visit both, as they are a stone's throw from each other, you will be well impressed with how well spent your time will be.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Gallery</td></tr>
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<b>No.4 Walk along the Thames</b><br />
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There is an amazing collection of world famous sights along the London's River Thames. As you walk along from Westminster Bridge, you will have opportunity to see the famous Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOsSvwPpGGY/UEsEKYMiqKI/AAAAAAAADy4/-0ylZXesA6I/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOsSvwPpGGY/UEsEKYMiqKI/AAAAAAAADy4/-0ylZXesA6I/s640/IMG_6400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben & the House of Parliament</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye</td></tr>
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<b>No.5 Visit Street Markets</b><br />
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London is famous for its street markets. Again, you have so many choices to choose from. The more famous ones are Camden and Portobello Markets. I have written about Borough and Greenwich Market in my earlier post which are also worth visiting. You will never know what treasures you may find in there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLig4wpT3iE/UEsMTd4OyRI/AAAAAAAADzQ/LBdXAQ4WNdE/s1600/Camden-Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLig4wpT3iE/UEsMTd4OyRI/AAAAAAAADzQ/LBdXAQ4WNdE/s640/Camden-Market.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camden Market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye8166qjDww/UB-kFlPEsMI/AAAAAAAADok/89UJ9K_FTEk/s1600/temp8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye8166qjDww/UB-kFlPEsMI/AAAAAAAADok/89UJ9K_FTEk/s640/temp8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borough Market</td></tr>
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<b>No.6 Visit Art Galleries</b><br />
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Between the Tate Modern and Tate Britain, you will be bombarded with the finest artworks ranging from the 16th Century British Art to the Contemporary art of the modern times found at the Tate Modern. Best of all again, both are free to enter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmJNL_qp0Bg/UEsPmZ8dcmI/AAAAAAAADzg/IvDJL2wLBEM/s1600/PI67332-hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmJNL_qp0Bg/UEsPmZ8dcmI/AAAAAAAADzg/IvDJL2wLBEM/s640/PI67332-hr.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tate Modern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZuUbMzD_q4/UEsPpVJmr8I/AAAAAAAADzo/5YDsRmVRjQ0/s1600/tate-britain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZuUbMzD_q4/UEsPpVJmr8I/AAAAAAAADzo/5YDsRmVRjQ0/s640/tate-britain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tate Britain</td></tr>
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<b>No.7 Visit Covent Garden</b><br />
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One of the most iconic and popular tourist must-go is covent garden. If you are there on a lovely weekend afternoon, the whole place is buzzing with activities with street performers being watched upon by curious onlookers and the cool people watching from their seats along all the avant-garde street cafes. It is a wonderful area to explore and feel the atmosphere. Whether are you peaking into all the one of a kind shops in the market place or just sitting there absorbing the bohemian vibe, it all costs nothing to you. Definitely one of my favourite things to do whenever I am in London.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9ts1W0YBJA/UEsRbtTsjvI/AAAAAAAADzw/m0S_k0rQY4Y/s1600/temp9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9ts1W0YBJA/UEsRbtTsjvI/AAAAAAAADzw/m0S_k0rQY4Y/s640/temp9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covent Garden</td></tr>
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<b>No.8 Walk around Westminster</b><br />
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Westminster is rich with sights. A short walk around will take from Westminster from St Jame's Park to watching the changing of the Guard at Buckingam Palace to the Four O'Clock Parade at the Horse Guard Building to hearing the bells of Westminster Abbey. Wherever you are in Westminster, you are sure to see something that will wow you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBC8OZGVhG8/UEsVQI9TDHI/AAAAAAAAD0A/wj1fgE9iMd8/s1600/IMG_6428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBC8OZGVhG8/UEsVQI9TDHI/AAAAAAAAD0A/wj1fgE9iMd8/s640/IMG_6428.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Abbey</td></tr>
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<b>No.9 Catch a BBC Show Recording</b><br />
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Strictly come dancing or to watch the BBC Philharmonic play, one can catch a BBC show recording. All you need to do is go online and get a free ticket to show a live recording. Isn't that cool???<br />
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<b>No. 10 Catch a free concert</b><br />
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There are many shows that goes on around London where you can catch them for free. For example, St Martin in the Fields holds lunch time concerts while Theatre Royal has comedy nights on wednesdays!!<br />
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Many people say that visiting London is really expensive. Granted that the tube tickets are purse-bustingly expensive, you can save by doing any, if not all of these free things to help make your London experience easier on the pockets and yet totally fulfilling. Hope you enjoy reading my list.<br />
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For the next 3 weeks, my posts maybe fewer and far between as I am away in the UK and will only have my Ipad with me, so updating blog posts will be more difficult plus I am running around most of the days. So please be patient with me. Cheerio!!!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-3926915638689669552012-09-02T08:41:00.001+08:002012-09-02T08:41:20.248+08:00Our trip to Alaska : Overview<div style="text-align: justify;">
Known as America's last frontier, Alaska is also United State's largest state and is over twice the size of Texas. Alaska has always conjure an image of the grandest natural landscape and awe-inspiring sceneries. Her wild and rugged wilderness, glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and interesting people are Alaska's many offerings.</div>
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The best and most popular way to see Alaska is from the coast, on board a cruise ship. Each year around 1 million people arrive to see Alaska on board a cruise ship and now I understand why. It is a fabulous way to see the coastline of Alaska, otherwise largely inaccessible.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Fh8VKeYXYc/UAlG7UqeRlI/AAAAAAAADdA/hRrfd4MX2FY/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Fh8VKeYXYc/UAlG7UqeRlI/AAAAAAAADdA/hRrfd4MX2FY/s640/IMG_7071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>In June this year, we were lucky to get the chance to do an Alaska Cruise. For details of our we went about planning our trip and some tips, check out my other posts later on. <br />
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After lots of planning and pondering, we decided to go with Princess cruises on their 7 days Voyage of the Glaciers cruise going Southbound (from Whittier to Vancouver). The itinerary took us from Whittier where we embarked to Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and finally Vancouver. Princess cruise is one of the two cruise lines who can go into the Glacier Bay National Park, which was one of the reason we went with Princess cruises. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hlIJeNlwoM/UANxwrQgbRI/AAAAAAAADZ0/hbUFB6_fmng/s1600/cruiseship_logos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hlIJeNlwoM/UANxwrQgbRI/AAAAAAAADZ0/hbUFB6_fmng/s640/cruiseship_logos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise lines that do the Alaska Cruises</td></tr>
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Of the 7 days on the cruise, we have 3 port calls (Skagway, Juneau & Ketchikan) and 4 sea days which included one day at Hubbard Glacier, one day at Glacier Bay and 2 days at sea which included arrival day in Vancouver. So join us on our journey on this quintessential cruise and I hope you enjoy the posts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfjqnGS7h8o/UAlOefn18mI/AAAAAAAADdc/Xv4ifQJQvpM/s1600/1114731_itinerary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfjqnGS7h8o/UAlOefn18mI/AAAAAAAADdc/Xv4ifQJQvpM/s320/1114731_itinerary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Princess Cruises - Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise route</td></tr>
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Overview:<br />
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1. Alaska Cruise Day one - Embarkation and tour of the Diamond Princess<br />
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2. Alaska Cruise Day two - Yakutat Bay & the Hubbard Glacier<br />
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3. Alaska Cruise Day three - Glacier Bay National Park<br />
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4. Alaska Cruise Day four - Port call: Skagway<br />
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5. Alaska Cruise Day five - Port Call: Juneau<br />
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6. Alaska Cruise Day six - Port Call: Ketchikan<br />
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7. Alaska Cruise Day seven - Sea Day<br />
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8. Alaska Cruise Day eight - Arrival at Vancouver & disembarkation<br />
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9. <a href="http://stuckintinysingapore.blogspot.sg/2012/07/post-alaska-cruise-thoughts.html">Post Alaska Cruise thoughts</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2Alaska, USA64.2008413 -149.493673338.990274299999996 170.0766392 89.411408299999991 -109.06398580000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-26119729644962995832012-08-28T08:25:00.000+08:002012-08-28T08:25:49.730+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Greece - Exploring Athens Part 2 (Acropolis)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Acropolis of Athens overlooks the city of Athens. As you wander around the city, all you have to do is to look up and you will see the Acropolis up on the hill. It is a beautiful structure even from afar. We got to visit the site and luckily on the day where it was the World Museum Day where entry was free :)</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">Warning: Photo Heavy Post</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQii48sJa4Y/UCYDcSL5ovI/AAAAAAAADtI/otfJsiVrRzI/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQii48sJa4Y/UCYDcSL5ovI/AAAAAAAADtI/otfJsiVrRzI/s640/IMG_0699.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis</td></tr>
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There are two entrances to get to the top where the Acropolis is. The main entrance, which is by the car park is more popular for the obvious reason. During the height of summer and the cruise ship seasons, that entrance gets overcrowded, so a tip is to get to the Acropolis via the 2nd entrance. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2T5s5uR4ks/T9l3gmDuRBI/AAAAAAAADUI/NrMxpa3ra0I/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2T5s5uR4ks/T9l3gmDuRBI/AAAAAAAADUI/NrMxpa3ra0I/s640/IMG_0807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaos at the Acropolis Entrance</td></tr>
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Going in via this entrance is advantageous as because of its distance from the carpark, far fewer people uses it and you don't even have to queue for your tickets. Another advantage of this 2nd entrance is you will see much more than going in via the main entrance. Here you will get to see the Dionysus Sanctuary and the Theatre.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTLy1kDTTKY/T9l1kqWazZI/AAAAAAAADOg/kjQejMdfgO0/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTLy1kDTTKY/T9l1kqWazZI/AAAAAAAADOg/kjQejMdfgO0/s640/IMG_0723.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the South East Entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z86JG3cUHz8/T9l1nfeWq8I/AAAAAAAADOo/otvCHUrauTE/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z86JG3cUHz8/T9l1nfeWq8I/AAAAAAAADOo/otvCHUrauTE/s640/IMG_0724.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we entered - via the south slope</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysqep5DN7ZU/T9l1q2Eg8xI/AAAAAAAADOw/1nB6Bu20fD8/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysqep5DN7ZU/T9l1q2Eg8xI/AAAAAAAADOw/1nB6Bu20fD8/s640/IMG_0726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through the Dionysus Sanctuary</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fTR46TlQUo/T9l1vl7zFUI/AAAAAAAADO4/bioqHviIy2k/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fTR46TlQUo/T9l1vl7zFUI/AAAAAAAADO4/bioqHviIy2k/s640/IMG_0727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dionysus Theatre</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-Cf7QAekn8/T9l1zLubSpI/AAAAAAAADPA/NI6A69_J_18/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-Cf7QAekn8/T9l1zLubSpI/AAAAAAAADPA/NI6A69_J_18/s640/IMG_0729.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the theatre</td></tr>
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It's a bit of a climb uphill. Luckily for us, it was in may and the temperature was bearable, have it been in the height of summer with the Greek heat, I wouldn't have lasted really long :p</div>
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Good thing was - as you climbed up, the views kept getting better and the archaeological remains got more and more spectacular.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgoWD8Jacco/T9l12LU_1HI/AAAAAAAADPI/Buj_vbIylkM/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XgoWD8Jacco/T9l12LU_1HI/AAAAAAAADPI/Buj_vbIylkM/s640/IMG_0731.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over to the Acropolis Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk-YizDi-Vg/T9l15VmiDRI/AAAAAAAADPQ/dZvoKnZaPlU/s1600/IMG_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kk-YizDi-Vg/T9l15VmiDRI/AAAAAAAADPQ/dZvoKnZaPlU/s640/IMG_0736.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAbTmCfdwmM/T9l179ir7UI/AAAAAAAADPY/hBA-ukJtmAY/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAbTmCfdwmM/T9l179ir7UI/AAAAAAAADPY/hBA-ukJtmAY/s640/IMG_0739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View up to the Temple of Athena Nike</td></tr>
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As we climbed up, we came across an amazing site, which is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This theatre is still used in the present day for Athens Art Festival during May to October.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpD2KxMweho/T9l1-o-Sj7I/AAAAAAAADPg/l47kqLKdRgU/s1600/IMG_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpD2KxMweho/T9l1-o-Sj7I/AAAAAAAADPg/l47kqLKdRgU/s640/IMG_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odeon of Herodes Atticus</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiVRB6TWSFM/T9l2BWy2NII/AAAAAAAADPo/rpTlINU1kGI/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiVRB6TWSFM/T9l2BWy2NII/AAAAAAAADPo/rpTlINU1kGI/s640/IMG_0743.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds eye view of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus</td></tr>
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Finally after about a 20 minute walk, we were at the top at the Acropolis with a great 360 degree view of Athens.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwb_gpbeLfk/T9l2ERs6N2I/AAAAAAAADPw/MOJ2TxkVxX0/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwb_gpbeLfk/T9l2ERs6N2I/AAAAAAAADPw/MOJ2TxkVxX0/s640/IMG_0744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view over Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athens</td></tr>
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At the top, this is where people from both entrances crossing path. Be careful when you walk up the steps here, as the floor is made up of marble that has smoothen over loads of feet that had trodden over them.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ6eraMLb3Q/T9l2JLHVSVI/AAAAAAAADQA/ErKgb99zdhI/s1600/IMG_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="429" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ6eraMLb3Q/T9l2JLHVSVI/AAAAAAAADQA/ErKgb99zdhI/s640/IMG_0747.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist everywhere!!! at the entrance</td></tr>
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At the entrance or the Propylaea where loads of tourists are climbing their way to see the Parthenon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dkck4-zrt5w/T9l3XmZtNtI/AAAAAAAADTw/DCOb4A8vArg/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dkck4-zrt5w/T9l3XmZtNtI/AAAAAAAADTw/DCOb4A8vArg/s640/IMG_0802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More tourists making their way up the Propylaea</td></tr>
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Finally after you get up the steps, you will see the Parthenon, the largest temple in the Acropolis and a sight to behold.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parthenon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side of the Parthenon with less scaffolding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the Parthenon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH9Rz6vs2ZY/T9l2_jqaScI/AAAAAAAADSw/7ucxhYd0n0M/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="429" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH9Rz6vs2ZY/T9l2_jqaScI/AAAAAAAADSw/7ucxhYd0n0M/s640/IMG_0781.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grand Parthenon against the beautiful blue skies of Athens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDNyos2m9wo/T9l3CnYRhAI/AAAAAAAADS4/LObSe950ITU/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="429" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDNyos2m9wo/T9l3CnYRhAI/AAAAAAAADS4/LObSe950ITU/s640/IMG_0785.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Athens from the Acropolis</td></tr>
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Another temple of the Acropolis site is the Temple of Athena Nike. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Athena Nike</td></tr>
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The final temple at the Acropolis is the Erechtheion. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Porch of the Caryatids on the south side of the Erechtheion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Erechtheion</td></tr>
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It is just amazing to be standing in such historical site. All the buildings were in around the period of 400 BC. When you get over the awe of being in such an amazing place and tear your eyes away from them, you can cast your eye to the site around the Acropolis. The view around is amazing, it is not wonder when the ancient Athenians decided to build the Acropolis where it was.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9I1RlI0M0/T9l2XN_tHOI/AAAAAAAADQo/njdWLdvbFXU/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="429" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9I1RlI0M0/T9l2XN_tHOI/AAAAAAAADQo/njdWLdvbFXU/s640/IMG_0758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back down to the Odeon of the Herodes Atticus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Temple of Hephaestus at the Agora of Athens</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Temple of Zeus</td></tr>
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After we were done at the Acropolis, we went to check out the Acropolis Museum. It was a great way to spend a few hours, or actually even more if you are into Greek history. It is also a great way to escape the heat too. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed in there. But it is still worth your money and your time to check out some of the artifacts inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis Museum</td></tr>
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The museum lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens which you can see in the picture above.</div>
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All in all, we spent a fantastic day at the Acropolis, a not to be missed when you visit Athens.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com0Athens, Greece37.9837155 23.729309737.9336545 23.650345700000003 38.0337765 23.8082737tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-20231836065541555042012-08-25T09:07:00.001+08:002012-08-25T09:07:57.078+08:00Top ten things to do in Macau<div style="text-align: justify;">
What are the things that comes to mind when someone mentions Macau? - Casino? Pork buns? Macau has been slowly creeping up the popularity ladder as one of the favourite place which Singaporean goes to for a short getaway. It is getting so popular that even the recent season of the the last few episodes America's Next top Model Show was filmed in Macau!! To help you to plan your trip to Macau, here is my list of top ten things you can do when you are there. Bear in mind that what is listed are my suggestions, and may not be your cup of tea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only Casino Lisboa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a> <b>No.1 -Visit St Paul's</b><br />
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The most recognised building associated with Macau. This is definitely a must visit. Just beware that you will be fighting off the tons of tourists getting that all important photo posed in front of the facade.<br />
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<b>No.2 - Visit Senado Square</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senado Square with Christmas decorations (2009)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you will find most of the important and historical buildings of the former Portuguese colony. Here, you
can find the buildings of Leal Senado, the General Post office and St.
Dominic's Church. A tip is if you can get here very early before the tourists or even locals arrive, it's wonderful and deserted, best for taking all your pictures then.
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<b>No.3 - Visit Mount Fortress</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Fortress with amazing view of Grand Lisboa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Mount Fortress is located just next to the St Paul's ruins but so little venture the climb up. For the few who take the effort, they will be rewarded with a fantastic view over Macau. <b> </b><br />
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<b>No.4 - Visit Macau Museum</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibits in the Macau Museum</td></tr>
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At the top at Mount Fortress, one can find the Macau Museum. Again this piece of gem is missed by most tourists. It houses a wonderful collection of Macau's history, great dioramas.<b> </b>A fantastic way to learn more about Macau's fascinating past.<br />
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<b>No.5 - See A-Ma Temple</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa7x0bAe2Ho/T8wIrNPpN0I/AAAAAAAACRI/WWzPxvciFr4/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa7x0bAe2Ho/T8wIrNPpN0I/AAAAAAAACRI/WWzPxvciFr4/s640/IMG_5893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-Ma Temple </td></tr>
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Continuing on the Macau's history trail, A-Ma's temple is placed firmly on that list. This temple is the oldest in Macau, built in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty, it reflects on Macau's past as a fishing port. Fishermsn then prayed to Ma-Zu, the goddess who guards over the fishermens' safety.<br />
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<b>No.6 - Take in the view from Macau Tower</b><br />
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<b> </b>When I am visiting a place, I always like to take in the place by going up high to get a overall view of the place I'm visiting. For Macau, you have one choice - which is to go up Macau tower. For the braver and more adventurous ones, you can always do the skywalk where you are in a harness and get to walk around the outside of the tower. Definitely not for those who are afraid of heights.<br />
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<b>No.7 - Eat an Egg Tart</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDFvwHLWT1I/T_-YDmk5xNI/AAAAAAAADYc/On4fHc2u2IE/s1600/egg-tart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDFvwHLWT1I/T_-YDmk5xNI/AAAAAAAADYc/On4fHc2u2IE/s640/egg-tart1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Portuguese egg tarts are famous in Macau. The most famous being the <a href="http://www.lordstow.com/">Lord Stowe</a>'s. <b> </b>So go and have one while you are in Macau.<br />
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<b>No.8 - Eat a Pork Chop Bun</b><br />
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Another famous food item from Macau, this pork chop bun shop was even featured on a popular korean drama series!! Try it, munching it as you walk towards St Paul's and soak in all the atmosphere.<br />
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<b>No.9 - Casino Hopping</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Lisboa</td></tr>
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One cannot come to Macau and not visit at least a few casinos. You will be spoilt for choice as there are plenty to choose from. My recommendation is definitely to visit Casino Lisboa, as it is unique to Macau.<br />
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If you have not been to Vegas, then pop into Venetian to see the ostentatious interior which will blow you away, or pay for a gondola ride along the canals within the hotel/casino.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venetian</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZt4Oumx9MY/T8wF2j_l3wI/AAAAAAAACQ0/85O61nhkNv8/s1600/IMG_5994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZt4Oumx9MY/T8wF2j_l3wI/AAAAAAAACQ0/85O61nhkNv8/s640/IMG_5994.jpg" width="428" /> </a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Dreams</td></tr>
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Another not to be missed is the City of Dreams which consist of several hotels and casinos. You can get to all the casinos using the free hotel shuttles.<br />
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<b>No.10. Gamble!!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzgZ1wAFYM/T_-4Zub2YvI/AAAAAAAADZY/DNuB3vCkyLE/s1600/gambling-e67026f8546d830e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mzgZ1wAFYM/T_-4Zub2YvI/AAAAAAAADZY/DNuB3vCkyLE/s640/gambling-e67026f8546d830e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b> </b>Last but not least - Gamble! not all your life savings away, but just for fun. You are in a gambling mecca, the least you can do is to play a few jackpots. :)<br />
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Hope you enjoyed the post.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-10383938668669400502012-08-21T17:28:00.001+08:002012-08-21T17:29:20.216+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Scandinavia - Stockholm: Gamla Stan<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The first country that we started our Scandinavia trip in was in Sweden, famous for being the home country of Ikea. Would I be seeing Ikea shops
everywhere in the country? We flew into Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden. Just joking. One of the main reason we
visited Stockholm was to visit my friend from back in my University
days.What impressed us about Stockholm is how beautiful, clean but yet funky and stylish. It provides a lot of attractions and places for tourists to check out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockholm</td></tr>
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Stockholm is actually made up of 14 main islands, which means you will see bridges and waterways everywhere you turn. Due to that, Stockholm is one third waterways, one third parks and one third city. You have plenty of great food markets, fairs, restaurants and shops to keep you busy and not forgetting the beautiful waterfronts around, which is why it is often called 'the Venice of the North'.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View as we were walking along the waterfront</td></tr>
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Once we checked into our hotel and refreshed ourselves, we made our way to the Old Town, Gamla Stan. It is one of the most beautiful medieval cities around. Gamla stan is actually situated on the island of Staden, linked via various bridges. It was a lovely stroll from our hotel towards Gamla Stan. </div>
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The area is a historic area filled with beautifully conserved
seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Baroque and Renaissance buildings.
This is particularly popular with the tourists with its narrow cobblestone streets
and colourful buildings, one can spend hours wandering around here and
checking out the antique shows, arts showrooms and unique cafes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt2tPdIhVdI/T88i9bnT7qI/AAAAAAAACfo/3-Byul1E6ek/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt2tPdIhVdI/T88i9bnT7qI/AAAAAAAACfo/3-Byul1E6ek/s640/IMG_4649.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow streets of Gamla Stan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sASV2IwnZ2Q/T88jKfQa_RI/AAAAAAAACf8/XVJdcGMKsNA/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sASV2IwnZ2Q/T88jKfQa_RI/AAAAAAAACf8/XVJdcGMKsNA/s640/IMG_4655.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noticed the colourful buildings' facades</td></tr>
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The atmosphere in the Gamla Stan is just lovely. Since it was winter, the area was quiet. We could wander around the streets with barely anyone else in sight. Only problem was I spotted a lovely pastry shop but it was closed!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy pastries but the shop was closed :(</td></tr>
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The largest attraction in Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace, with its 600 rooms and many museums located within the Palace, it is another popular tourist attraction. There's also a parade of soldiers and the daily changing of the guard to catch while you are there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the Royal Palace approaching from the north side</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade of the Soldiers at the Palace</td></tr>
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<span class="normal">The Royal Palace of Stockholm is His Majesty The
King's official residence and is also the setting for most of the
monarchy's official receptions. The palace is a daily place of work for
The King and Queen as well as for the various departments that make up
the Royal Court.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Treasury entrance of the Royal Palace</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Palace</td></tr>
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We also managed to catch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace.
It was great as there were not many people so we had a fantastic view
of the whole process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuX7ls6az84/T89CHFhsQSI/AAAAAAAACkI/rog55f1EG48/s1600/20120310-165419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuX7ls6az84/T89CHFhsQSI/AAAAAAAACkI/rog55f1EG48/s640/20120310-165419.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace</td></tr>
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After that, we went back to exploring more of the streets around Gamla Stan. It was such a lovely way to spend a beautiful & sunny winter's afternoon.<br />
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We found our way to the heart of Gamla Stan - Stortorget, where the square is surrounded by old colour merchant houses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stortorget</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourfult merchant houses in the square</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets of Gamla Stan</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Just off the Stortorget is the Nobel Museum. The museum is devoted to display and show information on the Nobel Prize, its founder, Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Laureates from 1901 to the present, most notable are Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela to name a few. It costs SEK80 to enter and you are free to join the Guided tour that is conducted every hour or rent an audio guide at SEK20.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobel Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vbLgTguLyQ/T88izvZLLZI/AAAAAAAACfY/qMW0pTz94Go/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vbLgTguLyQ/T88izvZLLZI/AAAAAAAACfY/qMW0pTz94Go/s640/IMG_4647.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards <span class="mainContent">Riddarholmen Church</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also near to the Gamla Stan is the Riddarholmen Church. It is located on the island of Riddarholmen just across from Gamla Stan. It is the burial church of the Swedish monarchs. If you are interested, do go and have a visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the end of the post of Gamla Stan, join me next time as I explored more of Stockholm.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1Stockholm, Sweden59.32893 18.0649159.199335 17.749053 59.458525 18.380767000000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-12047374403480086152012-08-16T08:27:00.004+08:002012-08-16T08:27:52.349+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Prague, Czech Republic - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After spending 1/2 a day with Alena at the Prague Castle, we continued with Alena as she took us to explore more of Prague. She and the hubby were happily discussing about Czech Republic history as I wandered alongside enjoying the sights and taking lots of pictures of this beautiful city.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkd-otRxjNo/UCs4thcDyZI/AAAAAAAADuo/gLi1jjAhSDk/s1600/IMG_6759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkd-otRxjNo/UCs4thcDyZI/AAAAAAAADuo/gLi1jjAhSDk/s640/IMG_6759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful buildings as we were walking down from the castle</td></tr>
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Everywhere we looked and turn, we saw beautiful and colourful buildings. The cobberstoned streets added to the charm of the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uZye1FQFtE/UCs4v1153BI/AAAAAAAADuw/Cf7yENiDuCs/s1600/IMG_6760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uZye1FQFtE/UCs4v1153BI/AAAAAAAADuw/Cf7yENiDuCs/s640/IMG_6760.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random building, random street</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MKDdL7gQi0/UCs4y9vlp4I/AAAAAAAADu4/hgznMqb2z3U/s1600/IMG_6762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9MKDdL7gQi0/UCs4y9vlp4I/AAAAAAAADu4/hgznMqb2z3U/s640/IMG_6762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random street with loads of cafes & restaurants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmtLbE8u7bM/UCs5An00YsI/AAAAAAAADvA/3g-9HiZv_yI/s1600/IMG_6763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmtLbE8u7bM/UCs5An00YsI/AAAAAAAADvA/3g-9HiZv_yI/s640/IMG_6763.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching the center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eD8NQrONXw/UCs5C1dq5II/AAAAAAAADvI/dUlI4dthuMo/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eD8NQrONXw/UCs5C1dq5II/AAAAAAAADvI/dUlI4dthuMo/s640/IMG_6766.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street tram ahead</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also walked past the Mandarin Oriental where a good friend got married there a year before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGSP71x-eTY/UCs5ePJ52HI/AAAAAAAADvY/j8sMSQXC4sE/s1600/25+Apr+201015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGSP71x-eTY/UCs5ePJ52HI/AAAAAAAADvY/j8sMSQXC4sE/s640/25+Apr+201015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More photos of streets in Prague</td></tr>
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Alena also took us to see the Lennon wall. It is called the Lennon Wall because since the 1980s, this once normal wall was filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti. Then in 1988, it became the wall for many Young Czechs to write grievances against the communist regime then. Unfortunately, over the years, the Lennon portrait has been lost under layers of new paint. Despite numerous attempts by the authorities to repaint the wall, it always gets graffiti back on the next day. Today, this wall provides a representation to the symbol of youth idealism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71-RK3fkhEI/UCtEV3kwDmI/AAAAAAAADvs/ZO0ewzX5u7I/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71-RK3fkhEI/UCtEV3kwDmI/AAAAAAAADvs/ZO0ewzX5u7I/s640/IMG_6774.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lennon wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-KA59xa_jY/UCtEb5HfSGI/AAAAAAAADv0/eIoaT4M3tPU/s1600/IMG_6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-KA59xa_jY/UCtEb5HfSGI/AAAAAAAADv0/eIoaT4M3tPU/s640/IMG_6775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful graffiti</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSXVblyysdA/UCtEdymxxeI/AAAAAAAADv8/G37Ewi1rYas/s1600/IMG_6776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oSXVblyysdA/UCtEdymxxeI/AAAAAAAADv8/G37Ewi1rYas/s640/IMG_6776.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the wall</td></tr>
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On our way to see the Charles Bridge, the city scenery was getting better and better. Prague is indeed extremely beautiful and I'm glad that I got to visit her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36lKASAbFXY/UCtHT2C3aQI/AAAAAAAADwI/Ty9PSxniveQ/s1600/IMG_6777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36lKASAbFXY/UCtHT2C3aQI/AAAAAAAADwI/Ty9PSxniveQ/s640/IMG_6777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canals winding along the city</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k21TocTImXo/UCtHY5ztmUI/AAAAAAAADwY/iDU6EGSxFrw/s1600/IMG_6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k21TocTImXo/UCtHY5ztmUI/AAAAAAAADwY/iDU6EGSxFrw/s640/IMG_6780.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobblestone streets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFVDmtQ6srs/UCtHWPDdhrI/AAAAAAAADwQ/z3Rqb8sxoQg/s1600/IMG_6779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFVDmtQ6srs/UCtHWPDdhrI/AAAAAAAADwQ/z3Rqb8sxoQg/s640/IMG_6779.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old city wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7BRmanNGvQ/UCtIR79OsSI/AAAAAAAADxA/ybtPtDYfRyg/s1600/25+Apr+201016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L7BRmanNGvQ/UCtIR79OsSI/AAAAAAAADxA/ybtPtDYfRyg/s640/25+Apr+201016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pics of Prague</td></tr>
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I will continue in Part 4 on our visit to Charles bridge, so stay tune.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-75828140511183390482012-08-12T08:34:00.002+08:002012-08-12T08:34:44.036+08:00My Quinton turns 7!Couldn't believe that it was Quinton's time to turn 7 years old today.
His Birthday was only a couple of weeks after Reegan's. So after
Reegan's mini birthday party with her Therapy Dogs friends. It was
Quinton's mini birthday gathering with his Golden Retriever Club friends
at Bishan Dog Park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinton at 8 Weeks old </td></tr>
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The last time I had a party for him was when he turned one. We had all his doggie friends (10 of them) at our place as we had a huge garden with a marquee, baby pool, human and dog food, with plenty of games and even medals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdjeZJVGGg/UCTzMO0TORI/AAAAAAAADsI/BEdhUdhmfUU/s1600/%2523C996175951133%2523P560085951133%2523F8%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdjeZJVGGg/UCTzMO0TORI/AAAAAAAADsI/BEdhUdhmfUU/s640/%2523C996175951133%2523P560085951133%2523F8%2523.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doggies & humans at Quinton's 1st birthday party</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vT_qmeKHnaU/UCTy-42nrNI/AAAAAAAADsA/cL-RHfvEmiM/s1600/%2523C996175951133%2523P757885951133%2523F8%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vT_qmeKHnaU/UCTy-42nrNI/AAAAAAAADsA/cL-RHfvEmiM/s640/%2523C996175951133%2523P757885951133%2523F8%2523.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday boy with his medals :)</td></tr>
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This time for it's with a smaller group of dogs but I hope he had just a lot of fun :). I invited Muzhen & Mulan, and Charley who belongs to a lovely lady called Yuko. I ordered the birthday cake again from the Barkery. This time a simple round cake for all the doggies to share.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI5MSd6nkyI/UCTS3e2BteI/AAAAAAAADrw/kLwVGuN-JsQ/s1600/CIMG6485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI5MSd6nkyI/UCTS3e2BteI/AAAAAAAADrw/kLwVGuN-JsQ/s640/CIMG6485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinton's cake</td></tr>
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They played at the park till they were exhausted before we served out the cake for them. Instead of fish, this time I ordered lamb...which all of them wolved it down quickly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onrlIXZUplo/UCT0cMya9II/AAAAAAAADsQ/SKgBDSN61dU/s1600/562827_512223505461083_1137102369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onrlIXZUplo/UCT0cMya9II/AAAAAAAADsQ/SKgBDSN61dU/s640/562827_512223505461083_1137102369_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan playing catch with Charlie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinton- up to no good, trying to chew his frisbee</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan looking happy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfzEBE45yWs/UCT0lh1ppzI/AAAAAAAADso/6m-FGth7yAo/s1600/555653_512223592127741_2108529067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfzEBE45yWs/UCT0lh1ppzI/AAAAAAAADso/6m-FGth7yAo/s640/555653_512223592127741_2108529067_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muzhen & Mulan chilling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIWbyUuWpaA/UCT0pED40gI/AAAAAAAADsw/r_que-QdZyc/s1600/395876_512223738794393_642980620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIWbyUuWpaA/UCT0pED40gI/AAAAAAAADsw/r_que-QdZyc/s640/395876_512223738794393_642980620_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the greedy doggies looking on as we were preparing Quinton's birthday cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinton posing with his cake - notice how far the cake is :)</td></tr>
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Happy Birthday to my boy and may he be happy and healthy and many more years to spend with us!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-8305277709066843662012-08-09T09:15:00.002+08:002012-08-09T09:15:34.167+08:00How to plan an Alaska Cruise from Singapore -Overview<div style="text-align: justify;">
Going on an Alaska cruise has always been a dream of mine and yes I realised that my travel bucket list is long or getting longer!! I have been lucky to have been ticking off the list especially with the Scandinavia Trip to see the Northern lights earlier in the year and now going to Alaska!! But can't a girl be greedy?? :p</div>
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It took me awhile to persuade the hubby to go on a cruise. He had always thought that cruising is boring, for the old and too much of socialising involved. He hates having to make small talk with strangers, and thought that being stuck on a ship with 3000 other people will be hell on earth!! Finally I convinced him that we will have a good amount of privacy if we book a large suite so that we won't need to be in the common areas too often. So when the final go ahead was granted from the 'chief financial officer', I was off to plan the cruise!!</div>
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After some research, I discovered that there are plenty of choices of cruise lines that cruise Alaska to choose from. It can get quite confusing as to which one to choose from. You have the large cruise lines to the smaller more exclusive cruise lines. It totally depends on individual choices. For us, the smaller cruise lines were out of the questions, as less people, smaller ship = more socialising. So definitely a no-go for us. In addition, each cruise line has their own itinerary, and you have your own preferences. So I've written down a little guide to help you with your own planning. It has been broken down to different plans with quite a bit of details for you. Hope that will be useful for you.<br />
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Follow this easy to follow list to help you to narrow down the cruise line for you.<br />
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1. Choosing the right Alaska cruise for your holiday.<br />
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2. When to go on your Alaska Cruise?<br />
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3. Which Itinerary to choose for your Alaska Cruise?<br />
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4. Which Alaska Cruise lines to choose?<br />
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5. Planning your Alaska land excursions.<br />
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Please be patient while I write up on these posts and also on my Alaska cruise posts. Meanwhile, happy holiday planning!!!<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-31763635513962033562012-08-06T19:51:00.004+08:002012-08-06T19:51:52.272+08:00Top ten offbeat things to do in London<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Olympics happening right now in London, there must be a lot of tourists spending time in London. I love London!!! You will never get tired of visiting her. I am sure there are no lack of things to do and places to visit while you are in London. The numerous historical sites, buildings, amazing architecture, world class galleries and museums, the west end for the musicals, the markets, the shopping, the list is endless. But there are also many other things to do while you are there that you won't find in conventional guide books. If you are looking to do something different while you are there, why not check out my list of offbeat things to do in London. Without further ado, here is my list of top ten offbeat things to do while you are there.<br />
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<b>No.1 </b>- <b>Try the Four Seasons Roast Duck Rice</b></div>
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Eating is one of Singaporean's favourite past time, so I had to put it first on the list to draw my audience in :). This is one of the most famous chinese restaurant in London known to Singaporeans, even Malaysians and Hong Kongers. As a student back when I first arrived in UK, I was told about the roast duck rice here. Gave a snout and said that there are better roast duck in Singapore. Boy, was I wrong. I was silenced after being giving the plate of roast duck rice. After my first bite into the duck together with the magical sauce, I was forever converted. My dad had the same reaction like me, gave a scoff. Now whenever I am in London, I am sure to go over to pick up a duck from there for the whole family to feast on. You won't get good service in there, but if it's the roast duck you are after, I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. There are 2 outlets - one in Queensway (original) and one in Chinatown. Do try it out if you have not. There are 2 outlets - one in Queensway (original) and one in Chinatown. Do try it out if you have not.<br />
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<b>No.2 - Enjoy an Afternoon English tea</b></div>
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Where to best soak up and experience the most authentic and amazing afternoon tea but in London. Here the age old tradition of Afternoon tea is still observed. One of the best places to enjoy your traditional English Afternoon tea is at the Claridge's in Mayfair. One can see why it is very popular, to get a table there requires a reservation of at least 3 months in advance. Sophisicated with an attentive service, you will have over 40 different type of teas to choose from. It will be an experience you will not forget.<br />
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<b>No.3 - Visit HMS Belfast</b><br />
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HMS Belfast is a ship museum. It used to be a Royal Navy Ship but is now a floating museum, permanently moored along the River Thames. It is a large ship, with nine decks to explore. It is a treasure trove of life on board a warship. You can easily spend over 2 hours in there. The kids will love it and it is something different from your usual tourist attractions.<br />
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<b>No.4 - Visit Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park</b><br />
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On any sunday afternoon, at the corner at Hyde Park nearest to the Marble Arch tube station, you will find random individuals bringing a stool, ladders or any platforms to stand on to speak their mind. Subjects can range from political to religious to plain drivel. Some of the noted speakers who had spoken in this corner ranged from Karl Marx to Lenin to George Orwell.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is for Harry Potter's fan. King's Cross is where Hogwarts Express departs every 1st of September to the school. The train uses a secret platform </span></span>9¾ which is through the brick wall of platform 9 and 10. If you go to Kings Cross, there is a sign for 9¾ with a half luggage cart there. For novelty sake, lots of tourists and fans alike are seen photographing themselves pushing the cart into the platform.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>No.6 - Take a romantic stroll in Little Venice</b></span></span><br />
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Little Venice is located just north of Paddington, in the charming regency streets of Maida Vale. Here you can find a picturesque pool of water where the Grand Union and Regent's Canals meet. It is a beautiful and tranquil part of London, where you can enjoy a lovely romantic stroll and then stop for a meal/drink in one of the many waterside cafes, pubs and eateries. Here, you can also catch a lovely cruise down the canal ways as it winds along through Regent's Park to Camden Lock's famous markets.</div>
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<b>No.7 - Visit Greenwich</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from left: Greenwich Park Gate, Royal Observatory clock, Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark</td></tr>
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Greenwich is an area located southeast of the River Thames. It is filled with amazing historical sites to visit. It is famous for its maritime history, where Cutty Sark, a tea clipper is anchored as a tourist attraction. The town also gave its name to the Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean time where the Royal Observatory of Greenwich played a central role in that. Greenwich Park is a beautiful green space to visit. And a stone's throw away from that is the Greenwich Market, a charming place to explore all the little shops which are open every Wednesdays and Saturdays.</div>
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<b>No.8 - Visit the Natural History Museum</b><br />
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The Natural History Museum in London is one of the best I've been to. The advantage of it - is it's free entry!!! It houses 70 million items in 5 main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The central hall houses its famous dinosaur skeletons and the museum itself is a building of amazing ornate architecture. It is definitely worth a visit. Another tip - there is a lovely Crêperie across the road from the Natural History Museum where you can stop by for your lunch or tea before or after your visit to the Museum - called the <a href="http://www.kensingtoncreperie.com/index.html">Kensington Crêperie.</a></div>
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<b>No.9 - </b> <b>Visit the Borough Market</b></div>
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Borough market located in Southwark, London is one of the largest market. They have shops that sounds a huge variety of food items from all over the world. A great way is to wander the market and try out all the food stuff available.</div>
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<b>No.10 - Take a ride on the London Eye</b><br />
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We have our Singapore flyer, and London has the London Eye. Why not take a ride on it and compare the view. A sunset ride would like lovely to catch up all the sights of London as the sun goes down. Finishing your trip to London with a bird's eye view of this beautiful city.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-76229591358001901112012-08-02T08:22:00.001+08:002012-08-02T08:22:52.847+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Italy Part 2b - Pompeii & Herculaneum - Pompeii<div style="text-align: justify;">
After spending the morning at Herculaneum, we headed towards Pompeii via the Circumvesuvian railway and alight at Pompei Scavi Station. The entrance to Pompeii is about 50m away from the station. Many people gets confused regarding the name, the ancient site is known as Pompeii while the modern town that stands there now is called Pompei.</div>
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Got tips from several travel forums to avoid visiting before noon time at Pompeii as that is the time when most big tour groups descend on Pompeii. That was the reason why we went to Herculaneum first, had lunch in Pompei then visited Pompeii after. True enough when we got there, ticket booths were deserted, we got our tickets and started our exploration. It costs €11 for adults or you can get the combi ticket at €20 for a five-sight pass (including Pompeii and Herculaneum available, valid for 3 days).<br />
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Pompeii is huge in comparison to Herculaneum. Bring your comfy walking shoes, coz you will need them, not just due to the large distance you will have to cover but also walking on Roman cobblestone walkways is super tiring. We checked out the map to decide how we should explore the vast site. Even with the map, it felt like we were walking in a maze!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpzgM6Jbfq4/T9Hv-1u5a_I/AAAAAAAAC2U/4BwwvxfAP0c/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpzgM6Jbfq4/T9Hv-1u5a_I/AAAAAAAAC2U/4BwwvxfAP0c/s640/IMG_9004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the modern town of Pompei</td></tr>
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There are a few entrances to the site. We went in through the main Porta Marina entrance. You can rent audioguides if you want to.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCx54QDaMNM/T9HwCIKElII/AAAAAAAAC2c/9-xhwvc6neQ/s1600/IMG_9005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCx54QDaMNM/T9HwCIKElII/AAAAAAAAC2c/9-xhwvc6neQ/s640/IMG_9005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old roads in Pompeii</td></tr>
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I am not going to go into the history of Pompeii. That you can easily find on the internet. Instead I will just post mostly pictures of the site. If you wish to enhance your knowledge on top of your visit to Pompeii, you should visit the National Archaelogical Museum in Naples. It boasts a fine collection of objects and artifacts from Pompeii and also Herculaneum. It is an amazing museum to visit if you have the extra time and since it is in Naples, you can also go and try the amazing pizzas while you are there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2D4Lnokbi3Y/T9HwMox7YOI/AAAAAAAAC20/k0SvlqZbe7A/s1600/IMG_9008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2D4Lnokbi3Y/T9HwMox7YOI/AAAAAAAAC20/k0SvlqZbe7A/s640/IMG_9008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forum</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first place you will see when you get into Pompeii is the forum. It was the main center of life in Pompeii. Due to its location right near the main gate, it is also the most crowded with tourists. A tip is to get away from there first to the furthest location in Pompeii and work your way back when it is less busy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKYyNL1deFs/T9Hv0slT2KI/AAAAAAAAC2E/mvRooo25JE8/s1600/IMG_9000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKYyNL1deFs/T9Hv0slT2KI/AAAAAAAAC2E/mvRooo25JE8/s640/IMG_9000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of one of the buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNsmGrwLg5g/T9HwFmQNQII/AAAAAAAAC2k/IQIVKZ2p2do/s1600/IMG_9006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNsmGrwLg5g/T9HwFmQNQII/AAAAAAAAC2k/IQIVKZ2p2do/s640/IMG_9006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica in the Forum</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Apollo in the Forum</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaWJZKKyBE/T9HwddeIB-I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/XQBlVX_2r8Q/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaWJZKKyBE/T9HwddeIB-I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/XQBlVX_2r8Q/s640/IMG_9014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House of the Great Altar </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The site is immense and you will need to pace yourself to take in all the sights Pompeii has to offer. There are plenty of online guides, or books or the audio guide you can hire to understand the history and to get more information about Pompeii, especially for the history buffs.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lYXYIU16o/T9HwmtrwIYI/AAAAAAAAC3k/KGTh4-rCv_4/s1600/IMG_9018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0lYXYIU16o/T9HwmtrwIYI/AAAAAAAAC3k/KGTh4-rCv_4/s640/IMG_9018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Streets of Pompeii</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDIS2m893WY/T9Hwq7QO_iI/AAAAAAAAC3s/dubCo6DzUn8/s1600/IMG_9020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDIS2m893WY/T9Hwq7QO_iI/AAAAAAAAC3s/dubCo6DzUn8/s640/IMG_9020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More streets</td></tr>
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We spotted quite a few dogs on the site. There are signs scattered about Pompeii explaining the presence of these dogs. Earlier on, there were problems with these strays as they scared some tourists as fights broke out among them for territories. The authorities then decided to encourage the adoption of these strays. So far quite a few have been adopted with the exception of those we saw on the site. When we were there, they didn't pose any threat or problems. They were just contented to wander around the sites. Most were happily sleeping, or staring at the tourists wandering. I hope that soon all these dogs will get adopted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsPnN2ZNTMk/T9HwtjIfbyI/AAAAAAAAC30/3QUeSGfvfY4/s1600/IMG_9024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsPnN2ZNTMk/T9HwtjIfbyI/AAAAAAAAC30/3QUeSGfvfY4/s640/IMG_9024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Pompeii strays</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqsqbdOehtk/T9Hw87dZmDI/AAAAAAAAC4M/MLyVho74pto/s1600/IMG_9027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqsqbdOehtk/T9Hw87dZmDI/AAAAAAAAC4M/MLyVho74pto/s640/IMG_9027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLmx4LMxmIc/T9VNvs-SbxI/AAAAAAAAC6c/hbY0Vtim9CQ/s1600/IMG_9061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLmx4LMxmIc/T9VNvs-SbxI/AAAAAAAAC6c/hbY0Vtim9CQ/s640/IMG_9061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome doggie. Wish I can bring you home with me</td></tr>
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We wandered around some more till our feet were too tired to take us further. I will leave you with more photo memories of the glorious site.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pudGMQL5CjA/T9HwwyeYo5I/AAAAAAAAC38/cRGQm3jj1Io/s1600/IMG_9025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pudGMQL5CjA/T9HwwyeYo5I/AAAAAAAAC38/cRGQm3jj1Io/s640/IMG_9025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossroads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWzDrd_36FA/T9Hw0820diI/AAAAAAAAC4E/MKmKRoly-PM/s1600/IMG_9026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWzDrd_36FA/T9Hw0820diI/AAAAAAAAC4E/MKmKRoly-PM/s640/IMG_9026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoves in the restaurant of that time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPd35Jz32sk/T9HxAmT0kAI/AAAAAAAAC4U/iOnZUSiyFJ4/s1600/IMG_9028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPd35Jz32sk/T9HxAmT0kAI/AAAAAAAAC4U/iOnZUSiyFJ4/s640/IMG_9028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderfully preserved mosaics</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4HTo_hMErc/T9KVPSn-5_I/AAAAAAAAC5E/cLUIWTQsXv8/s1600/IMG_9037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4HTo_hMErc/T9KVPSn-5_I/AAAAAAAAC5E/cLUIWTQsXv8/s640/IMG_9037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Pompeii site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RATz_ytg8k8/T9VNVT82-dI/AAAAAAAAC5s/M3uUtUvJN5c/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RATz_ytg8k8/T9VNVT82-dI/AAAAAAAAC5s/M3uUtUvJN5c/s640/IMG_9042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEIZRMLJwG0/T9VNaZm5PSI/AAAAAAAAC50/P28kIYPbon4/s1600/IMG_9043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FEIZRMLJwG0/T9VNaZm5PSI/AAAAAAAAC50/P28kIYPbon4/s640/IMG_9043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_VvENOetZI/T9VNf3Uc-1I/AAAAAAAAC58/ulbWcNUxt08/s1600/IMG_9049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_VvENOetZI/T9VNf3Uc-1I/AAAAAAAAC58/ulbWcNUxt08/s640/IMG_9049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A plaque as we entered the amphitheatre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fArk1Ep8-58/T9VNkWUvT8I/AAAAAAAAC6E/5Q3YtjgoZIA/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fArk1Ep8-58/T9VNkWUvT8I/AAAAAAAAC6E/5Q3YtjgoZIA/s640/IMG_9050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Amphitheatre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSjGrdslnmM/T9VNo5dk1mI/AAAAAAAAC6M/__hFgx5ajuc/s1600/IMG_9059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSjGrdslnmM/T9VNo5dk1mI/AAAAAAAAC6M/__hFgx5ajuc/s640/IMG_9059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pompeii Cemetery and Tombs</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-59530847880487689122012-07-30T09:40:00.005+08:002012-07-30T09:40:57.844+08:00Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco in Singapore<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am a great fan of Cirque du Soleil's shows and the great news is that they are in Singapore till August 5th 2012 for the show Saltimbanco, playing at the Indoor stadium. A little information about them - Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) originates from Canada. They have done over 19 shows showing over 271 cities. The uniqueness of their shows are their bright costumes, beautiful scores, live music featuring amazing singers and musicians and most breathtaking acrobatic performances. Don't take my word for it, go and catch one now.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2CUZlirr74/UBUWfKkFodI/AAAAAAAADjA/lsYNe6FATc4/s1600/CirqueDeSoleil_LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2CUZlirr74/UBUWfKkFodI/AAAAAAAADjA/lsYNe6FATc4/s640/CirqueDeSoleil_LOGO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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When we were living in England, we would get tickets for the touring shows that came to the Royal Albert Hall in London every January/February each year. And when I travelled to places that had their arena shows, I would make sure I went to watch them.</div>
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To date, I have watched 7 of the Cirque du Soleil shows, 8th one being the Saltimbanco one in Singapore.</div>
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First show ever watched was Dralion in London's Royal Albert Hall in 2005. This show features a fusion of east and west - as the name suggests. 'Dra' for the dragon on the east and 'Lion' representing the west. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJdQJj6goVg/UBUiMHt-M_I/AAAAAAAADjg/OlgjBXDAk0A/s1600/01_dralion_01_1024_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJdQJj6goVg/UBUiMHt-M_I/AAAAAAAADjg/OlgjBXDAk0A/s640/01_dralion_01_1024_0768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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This was followed by <span class="st">KÀ. This is an arena show rather than a touring show, based at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This show is different from the other Cirque's show, whereby it does not use a conventional stage. It features instead giant moving platforms that appears to float through a bottomless space. Therefore, the show amazes the audience with spectacular acrobatic stunts with the performers appearing to fall into a bottomless pit. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHZNgekOKs/UBUjRBv8WbI/AAAAAAAADj4/YlRupQQZ4Dc/s1600/logo_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHZNgekOKs/UBUjRBv8WbI/AAAAAAAADj4/YlRupQQZ4Dc/s640/logo_1024x768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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In 2006, we returned to Royal Albert Hall to watch Alegría. Alegría showcases colourful and elaborate costumes and a wonderful score.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5ajQPg9V9k/UBUiOY0U_rI/AAAAAAAADjo/JpuFQfA3evw/s1600/ALE_PW_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5ajQPg9V9k/UBUiOY0U_rI/AAAAAAAADjo/JpuFQfA3evw/s640/ALE_PW_1024x768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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We had a hiatus in 2007 with no show as that was the year, Quinton joined our household. We were busy spending time with him :)</div>
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Finally in 2008, we started the year back at the Royal Albert Hall with Varekai. The show was written based on the Greek Myth of Icarus who flew too near to the sun. As with other Cirque shows, Varekai was both enthralling and spellbinding.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-4fKslQv0g/UBUiegui1EI/AAAAAAAADjw/1By3j_2gDMM/s1600/varekai_02_1024_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-4fKslQv0g/UBUiegui1EI/AAAAAAAADjw/1By3j_2gDMM/s640/varekai_02_1024_0768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Later in 2008, we travelled back to Las Vegas and caught 'O' at the Bellagio. This show was the one I was super excited about, as this is the first Cirque show that features water acts in a 1.5 million gallon pool. It also features synchronised swimmers and the usual ground performers. The unique element of the show makes it one of the best Cirque shows I've ever watched. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPh4uU2eto4/UBUjTCB8WeI/AAAAAAAADkA/JJhZ45PtUFw/s1600/WP_O_03_1024_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPh4uU2eto4/UBUjTCB8WeI/AAAAAAAADkA/JJhZ45PtUFw/s640/WP_O_03_1024_0768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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In 2009, we moved to Asia, and I wasted no time to arrange to watch a few more of Cirque shows at the earliest opportunity!! We went to Macau and watched Zaia which was showcased in The Venetian. It was a dismay experience. We watched Zaia at theater on a saturday night but show was two thirds empty! I think most of the guests were busy in the casino. Never had I been in a Cirque show that wasn't filled to the brim. Then the performers made multiple mistakes, which was something I've never witnessed in a Cirque show. I think they just didn't have the motivation to do their best, having to perform to empty seats at most of their performances. It was no surprise that the show played it last audience on the 12th February 2012 citing poor ticket sales as one of the reasons.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEI0HPXbB8o/UBXemgMy5jI/AAAAAAAADkY/0GF0YPbweY8/s1600/zaia-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qEI0HPXbB8o/UBXemgMy5jI/AAAAAAAADkY/0GF0YPbweY8/s640/zaia-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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The other arena show in Asia was in Tokyo's Disneyland. The Cirque show was called Zed. Unlike in Macau, the show was played to an almost full theatre and the standard was much better. Along the same theme of colour costumes and live music. It did not disappoint. What was amazing was the theater as it was built specifically for the show.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cj_nVox3di4/UBXeo0fq0JI/AAAAAAAADkg/jMgUpsGcOyI/s1600/Cirque-du-Soleil-Zed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="618" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cj_nVox3di4/UBXeo0fq0JI/AAAAAAAADkg/jMgUpsGcOyI/s640/Cirque-du-Soleil-Zed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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So finally to Saltimbanco which is the one currently staged here in Singapore till the 5th August 2012. I have not been to the Indoor Stadium since 1997, when I was there for a tennis match. We got front row seats so that we could be close to the stage. But unfortunately the seats were on the same level, all 5 rows. If you were unlucky, like the hubby, there was a tall person in front of you, you would have probably missed quite a bit of the show dodging the head blocking your view. I think it would have been better further behind where the seats were set on a gradient. Lesson learned.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2br5ZaQb60g/UBUFUnmxqmI/AAAAAAAADig/ie6PnuRNnvo/s1600/cirque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2br5ZaQb60g/UBUFUnmxqmI/AAAAAAAADig/ie6PnuRNnvo/s640/cirque.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf0_395uyFc/UBUWi8QwGmI/AAAAAAAADjI/9eWUAiZ7zlM/s1600/cirque+du+soleil++wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf0_395uyFc/UBUWi8QwGmI/AAAAAAAADjI/9eWUAiZ7zlM/s640/cirque+du+soleil++wallpaper.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Cirque du Soleil's website</td></tr>
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It was great to be back watching a Cirque show after 3 long years. Saltimbanco didn't fail to impress. Loved the costumes, and the music was amazing. The singer's voice was faultless and so were the performances. All were perfectly executed. One can tell that they love performing. The advantage of being that close to the stage was that we were able to see passion in their eyes when they were performing. It is no wonder that it is the longest running performance as the acts were entertaining and captivating. Be sure to catch it before it finishes. Tickets are available via <a href="http://www.sistic.com.sg/">sistic</a>.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-27611317237601490882012-07-28T09:30:00.002+08:002012-07-28T09:30:57.924+08:00My Reegan is 5 today!!!!My darling Reegan is 5 today! Happy Birthday!!! Can't believe how time has flies. My baby girl is growing up faster. I cannot believe I love her so much more day after day and I wish she will have plenty more of healthy and happy times with our family!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfXgKUfEKNg/T5UCE5ZrSOI/AAAAAAAABQE/AZtpzQ1pOTk/s1600/Reegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FfXgKUfEKNg/T5UCE5ZrSOI/AAAAAAAABQE/AZtpzQ1pOTk/s640/Reegan.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan - at 7 weeks when we brought her home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6O60dc7GbA/UBM1nRXEghI/AAAAAAAADgY/Hs4MfVU7nUE/s1600/602644_10151958909480655_230457524_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6O60dc7GbA/UBM1nRXEghI/AAAAAAAADgY/Hs4MfVU7nUE/s640/602644_10151958909480655_230457524_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here she is at 5 yrs old</td></tr>
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To the hubby's dismay, I had decided to plan a day of fun and yum for my little princess. The plan was that we went for an afternoon visit for Therapy Dogs Singapore, this will be followed by an hour of run at the Bishan Dog Park and then off to SunRay cafe for the humans to have their dinner, and the dogs can share Reegan's birthday cake.<br />
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This year I've decided not to bake a cake. Instead I ordered a lovely birthday cake for Reegan from <a href="http://www.sgbarkery.com/">The Barkery</a>. Do check them out as they have some lovely lovely yummies for your doggies. It is opened by two sisters who truly cares for what they are doing. They cook and hand deliver the lovely cakes and dog goodies. Here is Reegan's cake and some pupcakes I've ordered for my two goldies. We also ordered some lovely pupcakes for the doggies to try later.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MODRqkhS49k/UBNAEtbGIXI/AAAAAAAADiI/3pLzui8JH7U/s1600/IMG_9682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MODRqkhS49k/UBNAEtbGIXI/AAAAAAAADiI/3pLzui8JH7U/s640/IMG_9682.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the top: Pumpkin, yam & potato Pupcakes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVuOiPgmpCM/UBIpRsXyszI/AAAAAAAADfQ/QHLo7Re7ao8/s1600/IMG_9675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVuOiPgmpCM/UBIpRsXyszI/AAAAAAAADfQ/QHLo7Re7ao8/s640/IMG_9675.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely box of cake inside, hand delivered by Elizabeth, the owner of The Barkery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDP3Au_6Als/UBIpWGsAuAI/AAAAAAAADfg/P9JlGsiYJtU/s1600/IMG_9679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DDP3Au_6Als/UBIpWGsAuAI/AAAAAAAADfg/P9JlGsiYJtU/s640/IMG_9679.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I requested for a pink cake for her</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXZxD9q37ZA/UBIpT87arVI/AAAAAAAADfY/1dr1pDfCkGM/s1600/IMG_9678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXZxD9q37ZA/UBIpT87arVI/AAAAAAAADfY/1dr1pDfCkGM/s640/IMG_9678.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got her to pose with a smile in front of her cake</td></tr>
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Our usual Therapy Dogs visit went off with a blast. It was good to see the residents who were equally excited to see our dogs. They were walked, stroked and cuddled for an hour before we left for the dog park.<br />
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We were super lucky with the weather, the sun's strength weakened when we got to the dog park, and it wasn't too hot for the dogs. Great thing also, the park was virtually empty with just another little dog in the dog run.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ga8mU0EaXU/UBM0btut2XI/AAAAAAAADgA/ry8AvGBsP4s/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ga8mU0EaXU/UBM0btut2XI/AAAAAAAADgA/ry8AvGBsP4s/s640/IMG_9683.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They just cut the grass</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M27VFOZTEVc/UBM0e-cAJsI/AAAAAAAADgI/PULfPkNaJVg/s1600/IMG_9684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M27VFOZTEVc/UBM0e-cAJsI/AAAAAAAADgI/PULfPkNaJVg/s640/IMG_9684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobody's around</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4alae3fJWbA/UBM0kL8GjJI/AAAAAAAADgQ/9p8FSglTuWk/s1600/IMG_9685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4alae3fJWbA/UBM0kL8GjJI/AAAAAAAADgQ/9p8FSglTuWk/s640/IMG_9685.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely & quiet</td></tr>
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The dogs went straight into sniffing and running around with the exception of two, Sable and Santi who are the two most greedy doggies. They knew that I had baked some lovely liver biscotti for them and followed me all around ignoring the calls of their mummies. Perfect dogs for dognapping!!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqjVpEcEKqM/UBM1q-K3SRI/AAAAAAAADgg/f2q58mO2Fa8/s1600/391287_10151956607725655_158288354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqjVpEcEKqM/UBM1q-K3SRI/AAAAAAAADgg/f2q58mO2Fa8/s640/391287_10151956607725655_158288354_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liver Biscotti</td></tr>
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Maria, my helper and I baked these liver biscotti fresh. First batch yesterday to be baked into gift bags for the doggies and one batch this morning for doggies at the dog park to munch on. They smelled great. It's super easy to make and the dogs love it. Basically you just need whole wheat flour, beef liver, cheddar cheese and that's it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXiwVaovmhU/UBIpPCFPS4I/AAAAAAAADfI/vtBqDeUopE0/s1600/IMG_9681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXiwVaovmhU/UBIpPCFPS4I/AAAAAAAADfI/vtBqDeUopE0/s640/IMG_9681.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liver Biscotti in their gift bags</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuaa3vkjgYQ/UBM2ufBMYEI/AAAAAAAADgo/d_0lk5ikJpg/s1600/IMG_9687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuaa3vkjgYQ/UBM2ufBMYEI/AAAAAAAADgo/d_0lk5ikJpg/s640/IMG_9687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santi with Quinton, eyeing some of Jane's treats</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJrpmevmOB8/UBM2zrrYJ9I/AAAAAAAADgw/f8RDaRRJBZ8/s1600/IMG_9689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJrpmevmOB8/UBM2zrrYJ9I/AAAAAAAADgw/f8RDaRRJBZ8/s640/IMG_9689.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More doggies joining in. Reegan pictures of the left was getting excited and started running around in circles</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnaX21Luek0/UBM28RCvWaI/AAAAAAAADhA/2MlHSDAdUWU/s1600/IMG_9691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnaX21Luek0/UBM28RCvWaI/AAAAAAAADhA/2MlHSDAdUWU/s640/IMG_9691.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'I want to smell your bum' line</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HY8hOUXpi8I/UBM3CkzjhMI/AAAAAAAADhI/POPetYxs1P4/s1600/IMG_9686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HY8hOUXpi8I/UBM3CkzjhMI/AAAAAAAADhI/POPetYxs1P4/s640/IMG_9686.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan all happy after play</td></tr>
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After an hour in the dog park, we were off to SunRay Cafe for the humans to dine. It's just wonderful to be able to relax in an airconditioned restaurant with your dogs. We ordered our food and while waiting, we had Reegan's birthday cake cutting, so that the dogs could feast and then it would be our turn after.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DqbB_5cTws/UBM8AmUtNsI/AAAAAAAADho/8wtRBEEvl6s/s1600/20120727-204144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DqbB_5cTws/UBM8AmUtNsI/AAAAAAAADho/8wtRBEEvl6s/s640/20120727-204144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The compulsory posing for photos</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsWXkoWyhjk/UBM8N09Ih_I/AAAAAAAADhw/qnZYaLpVMJk/s1600/IMG_9706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsWXkoWyhjk/UBM8N09Ih_I/AAAAAAAADhw/qnZYaLpVMJk/s640/IMG_9706.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday girl with her cake</td></tr>
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Reegan was such a good girl. She listened to instructions to jump on to the chair and posed for almost 3-5 minutes in front of her cake without taking a big chunk out of it. If it was Quinton, this scene wouldn't have been possible.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsJ-7p2Ul0/UBM8Rb4sXiI/AAAAAAAADh4/sVB2U1UCroQ/s1600/IMG_9707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsJ-7p2Ul0/UBM8Rb4sXiI/AAAAAAAADh4/sVB2U1UCroQ/s640/IMG_9707.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan with her cake again</td></tr>
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All the dogs wolved down their cakes. They were so quick, that I couldn't get a proper shot of them eating their cakes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFu4Nol7Lqg/UBM9yvH4x_I/AAAAAAAADiA/e0fvKqVH0o8/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFu4Nol7Lqg/UBM9yvH4x_I/AAAAAAAADiA/e0fvKqVH0o8/s640/IMG_9717.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failed shot - no more cake. Reegan was just licking her plate</td></tr>
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I hope my girl had a lovely day and so did the other doggies. It was Santi and her mummy's first invite to a doggie party. Santi even had a lovely bandana on the instruction of her daddy to look sharp for her first party - so cute! Next will be Quinton's 7th birthday. Will be celebrating that with another group of friends and their doggies, all of whom are having their birthdays soon!!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWPb1fCi-Z0/UBM62LO7gGI/AAAAAAAADhg/xrxHJtb0Jw4/s1600/IMG_9719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWPb1fCi-Z0/UBM62LO7gGI/AAAAAAAADhg/xrxHJtb0Jw4/s640/IMG_9719.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reegan's Pressies. Thanks all.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-71211547950614092152012-07-26T08:30:00.000+08:002012-07-26T08:30:40.231+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Siem Reap - Day 2 : Small Circuit (Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei)<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a great night sleep, our 2nd day started with a lovely breakfast brought to our room by the staff at Hotel Be. You get to choose from a menu the day before, and it was brought upstairs to us. You can either have it at the little dining area or upstairs at the terrace.</div>
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We had arranged with Ara to pick us up around 9am to start our temple
tour in Siem Reap. She had arranged our own private tuk tuk for our
entire stay. If you are not familar with the tuk tuk or it's also known
as an auto rickshaw, it is a modified mode of transport found in several
parts of the world where using a small motorbike, you can transport up
to 2 to 4 people depending on the tuk tuk.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfeUQwgo6Rk/T9XePj8ItWI/AAAAAAAADIc/8Z6BbvcX3YI/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfeUQwgo6Rk/T9XePj8ItWI/AAAAAAAADIc/8Z6BbvcX3YI/s640/IMG_0571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our own Tuk Tuk</td></tr>
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So we started our first day visiting Angkor Wat which is part of the Angkor Archaelogical Park. Passes are required to enter the park. There are various passes available, ranging from 1 day (US$20), 3 day ($40) or 7 day ($60). The park is free for Cambodians so don't be con into buying one for your guide or your driver. These passes are non-transferable. You will be photographed and your picture printed on the passes. They are strict and checks are carried out at almost all sites within the park, so make sure you keep your passes handy.</div>
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We went during the dry season, so the temperature can get really hot during the day. We did early morning visits to the temple before heading back to the hotel for a lunch, a shower and even a nap before heading out to the temple circuit again in the late afternoon.</div>
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The park is huge, spread over 400 square kilomters and it's important to plan your day well. There are several ways to plan your itinerary. The temples are usually broken up into 4 groups:<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon</b>, the grandest temple of all and the ancient capital next to it
</li>
<li> <b>Small Circuit</b>, taking in major sites to the east of Angkor Thom like <b>Ta Prohm</b></li>
<li> <b>Big Circuit</b>, taking in major sites north and further out east like<b> </b><b>Ta Som</b> and <b>Pre Rup </b></li>
<li> <b>Rolous group</b>, 15 km east from Siem Reap along National Highway 6 like <b>Preah Ko, </b><b>Lolei and Bakong</b></li>
<li> <b>Outlying temples</b>, located over 20 km from Angkor Wat like <b>Banteay Srey, </b><b>Beng Mealea </b></li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTRQGBaY8sM/UAfCuDHEa-I/AAAAAAAADak/koy5Y2unHJk/s1600/SR-AngkorMain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTRQGBaY8sM/UAfCuDHEa-I/AAAAAAAADak/koy5Y2unHJk/s640/SR-AngkorMain.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Angkor Archaelogical Park</td></tr>
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My tip is to plan prior, you can mix and match freely and choose which ever temples you want to see. you can always consult with your Tuk Tuk driver or guide. They will know the park like the back of their palms and their local knowledge will be really useful.<br />
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The first temple we went to was Ta Prohm. It is also most famously known as the Lara Croft temple, as in the movie: Tomb Raider, few of the scenes were shot here. This temple was built in the 12th Century by Jayavarman VII as a shrine to his mother. It is a magical place, where the trees are intertwined into the structure of the temple. Due to Ta Prohm made famous in Tomb Raider, it is a one of the main attractions cramp with tourists.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPWt_cidX0/T9VRRdw0WKI/AAAAAAAAC94/GjyQztny5qA/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPWt_cidX0/T9VRRdw0WKI/AAAAAAAAC94/GjyQztny5qA/s640/IMG_0369.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist hoarding the doorway where Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh6lD7HG1RM/T9VRUWzuWVI/AAAAAAAAC-A/VnTOt1NNn70/s1600/IMG_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh6lD7HG1RM/T9VRUWzuWVI/AAAAAAAAC-A/VnTOt1NNn70/s640/IMG_0370.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how the roots have intertwined with the temple</td></tr>
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Other than that famous doorway where Angelina Jolie or Lara Croft stood, there are actually wonderful sites to be seen in Ta Prohm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQx794SGedo/UAfJHzY2GkI/AAAAAAAADbE/LujF3oJajo8/s1600/4+May+20113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQx794SGedo/UAfJHzY2GkI/AAAAAAAADbE/LujF3oJajo8/s640/4+May+20113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Prohm</td></tr>
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There are large sections of the temple which have collapsed and laid in rubble.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8UFDemznjQ/UAfMjLWL8FI/AAAAAAAADbw/Gv9X6Rb680I/s1600/4+May+20115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8UFDemznjQ/UAfMjLWL8FI/AAAAAAAADbw/Gv9X6Rb680I/s640/4+May+20115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how the wood and stone inter-twined</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3tXPaGCBhk/UAfL2LHE8fI/AAAAAAAADbo/_hzT2e5EQKM/s1600/4+May+20114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3tXPaGCBhk/UAfL2LHE8fI/AAAAAAAADbo/_hzT2e5EQKM/s640/4+May+20114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing after so many centuries past: the carvings are still so intricate!</td></tr>
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Ara was great with giving us details about Ta Prohm and its history. And
that was our first temple, and by the time we were done with Ta Prohm,
we were exhausted.<br />
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The next temple Ara took us on the small circuit was the Banteay Kdei. Like the Ta Prohm, it was built in the 12th Century built by the same king, Jayavarman VII.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gJoIwYvc5M/T9VRvUg2zQI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/zCtOVN5NaRA/s1600/IMG_0379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gJoIwYvc5M/T9VRvUg2zQI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/zCtOVN5NaRA/s640/IMG_0379.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance way</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUpTJjHba1A/T9VQ_-FJtpI/AAAAAAAAC9g/beB5dp6UZrg/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUpTJjHba1A/T9VQ_-FJtpI/AAAAAAAAC9g/beB5dp6UZrg/s640/IMG_0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful doorway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L346h9g4cn4/T9VRGotdfTI/AAAAAAAAC9o/vFTvVau5Fsg/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L346h9g4cn4/T9VRGotdfTI/AAAAAAAAC9o/vFTvVau5Fsg/s640/IMG_0365.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate carvings on the doorway</td></tr>
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Banteay Kdei was great as it was quieter as most tourists give it a miss, which I don't understand why. Compared to Ta Prohm, it wasn't overrun by tourists which then gave us a chance to listen to what Ara had to tell us and yet had plenty of time for photo ops.<br />
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Join us on the next blog as we visited more temples in Angkor.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1Siem Reap, Cambodia13.36866 103.86440313.3532115 103.844662 13.3841085 103.88414399999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-82911436846567004962012-07-23T08:16:00.001+08:002012-07-23T08:16:07.165+08:00Exploring Singapore for dog-friendly places - Sun Ray Cafe<div style="text-align: justify;">
Usually when I need to bring your dogs with me for a pet friendly eating place, I would go to Canopy Dining in Bishan Park. That usually occurs after morning at the dog run, then lunch at Canopy. This week I had the chance to visit SunRay Cafe which is totally dog-friendly. I have heard about it from my friends from the Golden Retriever Club as they regularly have gathering at the cafe.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsUccf3ZDqM/UAvFV3BL-3I/AAAAAAAADd4/E53RjYBpLcA/s1600/photo11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsUccf3ZDqM/UAvFV3BL-3I/AAAAAAAADd4/E53RjYBpLcA/s640/photo11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you..they are pet-friendly</td></tr>
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We made a reservation for 6 people and 4 dogs on a saturday for around 130pm. It wasn't that busy as it was past lunch time. But it does get busy on the weekend, so either go during non peak hours or make sure you make a reservation to be on the safe side.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13wSA455W8c/UAvEMFIW7iI/AAAAAAAADdo/Elb6xBWtfZs/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-22+at+5.12.31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13wSA455W8c/UAvEMFIW7iI/AAAAAAAADdo/Elb6xBWtfZs/s640/Screen+shot+2012-07-22+at+5.12.31+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even their logo looks friendly. Source: SunRay Cafe</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDhOcSLmP5o/UAvEZcZJ0GI/AAAAAAAADdw/hTMlRRmPj9s/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-22+at+5.13.43+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDhOcSLmP5o/UAvEZcZJ0GI/AAAAAAAADdw/hTMlRRmPj9s/s320/Screen+shot+2012-07-22+at+5.13.43+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most importantly they are pet friendly. Source: SunRay Cafe</td></tr>
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SunRay Cafe is located at 79 Brighton Crescent, near to Serangoon Gardens. It is set among landed properties area. Parking was alright when we were there, though I can foresee that it may be problematic during peak hours.</div>
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SunRay Cafe occupies 2 shop spaces. One side is for the dogs and their owners, while the other side are for other patrons. Their menu is quite good and prices are reasonable. Check out their website <a href="http://www.sunray.sg/Home.html">here</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJuvBF53PI/UAvIGEZJ4iI/AAAAAAAADe0/rB6Qs9Msuqs/s1600/IMG_9643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhJuvBF53PI/UAvIGEZJ4iI/AAAAAAAADe0/rB6Qs9Msuqs/s640/IMG_9643.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main store front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsSN39xna-8/UAvICTkbKJI/AAAAAAAADes/L9gNLuSgLpc/s1600/IMG_9642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BsSN39xna-8/UAvICTkbKJI/AAAAAAAADes/L9gNLuSgLpc/s640/IMG_9642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side for pets & patrons</td></tr>
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They have food like pizza, pasta, mostly western with some local delights like curry & assam fish. Their drinks menu is also good plus they also have some simple foods for the dogs too. What is great is to find another dog friendly place that we can have our pooches with us and there's even aircon!! What is there to complain :) just that is further away from me in Bukit Timah? </div>
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Without further ado, here are some of the foods we ordered on that day.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKPAedIyDnA/UAvHuD3z1lI/AAAAAAAADeE/PvmYbZJhGkA/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKPAedIyDnA/UAvHuD3z1lI/AAAAAAAADeE/PvmYbZJhGkA/s640/IMG_9637.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood Marinara </td></tr>
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My friend ordered the Seafood pasta with Marinara sauce. The seafood portion was generous and yummy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penne Carbonara</td></tr>
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The carbonara pasta looks abit lacklustre, probably a dish I won't go for.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Baked Chicken</td></tr>
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I ordered Honey Baked chicken thigh which I wolved down. It was nice and yummy, especially that I was super hungry.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Salmon & Ice Lemon Tea</td></tr>
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Their drinks were lovely. I had a peach ice tea, while another friend had the mango smoothies which looked really nice too.</div>
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Without a doubt, I will recommend any friends to go there with their pooches....I would definitely return for a second visit. It is just nice to have somewhere with air-condition and I can have my dogs with me while the hubby and I can enjoy our food in the company of my dogs.<br />
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Actually we will be back sooner than later. Reegan is turning 5 this friday. So the plan is to invite some of our friends (both humans & canines) from Therapy Dogs Singapore to go to Sunray for dinner plus I've ordered a cake from The Barkery to celebrate my precious Reegan's birthday. Look out for that blog post.<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com3Brighton Crescent, Singapore1.3621659 103.8704111.3601813999999999 103.86794350000001 1.3641504 103.8728785tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-43758938537655001112012-07-19T10:23:00.002+08:002012-07-19T10:23:55.786+08:00Travelogue: Trip to the East Coast USA for Fall Foliage - Visiting Woodstock, VermontThe idyllic village of Woodstock, situated on U.S. 4 between Rutland and White River Junction, attracts many visitors with its old-world beauty. So we decided to visit it when we were in Vermont.<br />
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Woodstock, Vermont was the winner of the 1997 National Contest conducted by the Ladies Home Journal magazine as the "Prettiest Town in America", it was chosen as the community with the most beauty, charm and character. And when you get there, you will agree with them for choosing this town as the prettiest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">Warning: Photo heavy post</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Woodstock</td></tr>
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The secret is out about Woodstock, so much so that during the prime Autumn Foliage viewing periods, the town is stock full of tourist here to view this graceful town that looks fresh from the 19th century. It is famous for the beautiful architecture of its many houses, churches and businesses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White picket fences along the pretty residences in Woodstock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty street in Woodstock</td></tr>
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Woodstock is an exquisite village to spend your afternoon wandering around. You will be impressed with her sheer grace and elegance. Its downtown is compact and neat and there are plenty of quaint shops, galleries and boutiques to occupy your time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF2WV3N11JQ/T8IVTycUfJI/AAAAAAAACB0/GTUNwXJZBXo/s1600/20111030-1413319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF2WV3N11JQ/T8IVTycUfJI/AAAAAAAACB0/GTUNwXJZBXo/s640/20111030-1413319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaint gift shop standing over the river</td></tr>
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The village green is lovely and is surrounded by handsome stately homes with architecture dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. On the village green stands the Middle Covered Bridge which goes over the Ottaquechee River which flows through the center of the Village.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Covered Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSAdNPgwO7g/T8LtUgT1LeI/AAAAAAAACDo/T34NE6RzzTM/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSAdNPgwO7g/T8LtUgT1LeI/AAAAAAAACDo/T34NE6RzzTM/s640/IMG_2266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on the bridge over the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at the Village green</td></tr>
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More pictures of the wonderful little town of Woodstock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The village church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quintessential village general store</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Stately buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More amazing buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a pretty home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn decorations</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the shops in the town</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ottaquachee River - reminds me alot of Hertford in England</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses on the village green</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">County House</td></tr>
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Everywhere you walk in Woodstock, you are just greeted by more and more pretty streets and beautiful homesteads. We stopped at a little cafe and had the best croissant ever. We sat there and watched the world go by in this pretty little town. What a lovely end of the day. If you are ever in Vermont, do make sure you do come to visit Woodstock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful hotel in Woodstock</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2Woodstock, VT, USA43.6242442 -72.518511243.5322907 -72.6764397 43.7161977 -72.360582700000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-64257533947130295392012-07-16T09:15:00.000+08:002012-07-16T09:16:48.607+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Macau Final Part<div style="text-align: justify;">
After checking the Macau Museum, we went off to check out the other sights of Macau. As we descended the Mount Fortress, one could see the beautiful Grand Lisboa Casino in the foreground.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Warning: Photo Heavy Post</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Lisboa</td></tr>
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From there, we took a lovely walk along the waterfront along Cotai Island.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China on the other side of the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8bEYBAIF2c/T8lmJbKDrJI/AAAAAAAACMI/s7DSw-f08Cs/s1600/IMG_5908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8bEYBAIF2c/T8lmJbKDrJI/AAAAAAAACMI/s7DSw-f08Cs/s640/IMG_5908.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macau tower with bridge to Cotai Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TRwVjq_YJ8/T8lnDZe_RMI/AAAAAAAACMQ/6zqD4txN-jo/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TRwVjq_YJ8/T8lnDZe_RMI/AAAAAAAACMQ/6zqD4txN-jo/s640/IMG_5910.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel of the Lady Penha in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along the way, we also stopped the famous A-Ma temple which is the oldest temple on Macau.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa7x0bAe2Ho/T8wIrNPpN0I/AAAAAAAACRI/WWzPxvciFr4/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa7x0bAe2Ho/T8wIrNPpN0I/AAAAAAAACRI/WWzPxvciFr4/s640/IMG_5893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-Ma Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxMp4lIByhM/T8lnIta5yyI/AAAAAAAACMY/vm9aXScBABY/s1600/IMG_5912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxMp4lIByhM/T8lnIta5yyI/AAAAAAAACMY/vm9aXScBABY/s640/IMG_5912.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New buildings and casinos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujnwLFXG2l4/T8lnT5rFWeI/AAAAAAAACMo/DwUAace6pH0/s1600/IMG_5917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujnwLFXG2l4/T8lnT5rFWeI/AAAAAAAACMo/DwUAace6pH0/s640/IMG_5917.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wynn Casino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jJSYCwWNb8/T8lnZpJh2jI/AAAAAAAACMw/5usqe5u5TP4/s1600/IMG_5918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jJSYCwWNb8/T8lnZpJh2jI/AAAAAAAACMw/5usqe5u5TP4/s640/IMG_5918.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We stopped for lunch at this point at some local Portuguese restaurant. Was so hungry that I only got picture of what I ordered, started wolfing down and forgot to take a picture of what the husband ordered.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqFTB7X4ihg/T8lnOkqMqWI/AAAAAAAACMg/g91SQEKWrfE/s1600/IMG_5913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqFTB7X4ihg/T8lnOkqMqWI/AAAAAAAACMg/g91SQEKWrfE/s640/IMG_5913.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge portion of Pork Cutlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
After lunch, we continued on our way to walk off our lunch. The views were great as you can see the casinos, the waterway and the skies were clear and blue.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvBKS7mAP1E/T8lndqEa6qI/AAAAAAAACM4/Ye9zep6dQeM/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvBKS7mAP1E/T8lndqEa6qI/AAAAAAAACM4/Ye9zep6dQeM/s640/IMG_5921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotai Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdaAFY_zKK8/T8lnjAohNZI/AAAAAAAACNA/2Y1jkiYj2K8/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdaAFY_zKK8/T8lnjAohNZI/AAAAAAAACNA/2Y1jkiYj2K8/s640/IMG_5922.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were reaching the casinos. Lisboa on the left, Wynn in the center and MGM grand on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbT8H1ni0k/T8lnpKu4h3I/AAAAAAAACNI/9F4XjeRD3vA/s1600/IMG_5925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jbT8H1ni0k/T8lnpKu4h3I/AAAAAAAACNI/9F4XjeRD3vA/s640/IMG_5925.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unique & Impressive Grand Lisboa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqUDD5J67ZM/T8lnsBEiMNI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HqzI-xisxKI/s1600/IMG_5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqUDD5J67ZM/T8lnsBEiMNI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HqzI-xisxKI/s640/IMG_5926.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A visit to Macau isn't complete without having to visit the mega casinos that are littered all over the city. We went into Grand Lisboa to have a look. Reason being that you only have Lisboa in Macau and not in Vegas and we wanted to check it out. Furthermore, it is owned by HK/Macau's gambling king, Stanley Ho. In the lobby of the hotel, the Star of Stanley Ho is displayed. It is a 218.08 carats (43.62 g) diamond, the largest cushion shaped internally flawless D-color diamond in the world. I didn't manage to take a photo of it. But also on display in the lobby is the a bronze horse-head sculpture he bought for a record $8.8m in 2007. The horse-head sculpture belongs to a collection of 12 heads of zodiac animals which used to graced a fountain in the imperial summer place near Beijing. The heads were looted in 19th Century and only a few pieces have been found and returned to the Chinese government.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcqwRei7MBk/T8lnzIC6P9I/AAAAAAAACNg/dfRVAKIzbow/s1600/IMG_5929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VcqwRei7MBk/T8lnzIC6P9I/AAAAAAAACNg/dfRVAKIzbow/s640/IMG_5929.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Lisboa Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX2lqQ2C098/T8lnv1VM7tI/AAAAAAAACNY/qT-81Y6Dci8/s1600/IMG_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX2lqQ2C098/T8lnv1VM7tI/AAAAAAAACNY/qT-81Y6Dci8/s640/IMG_5928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 8.8 million horse-head sculpture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next we went to check out more casinos. There are free shuttle buses to the individual casinos from the ferry terminal. So we hopped on one that took us to the City of Dreams which consists of four towers: namely the Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel, and the Grand Hyatt Macau (2 towers). It is also located across from Venetian so you can just visit both casinos together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iuSKdfna7Y/T8lpArpG3mI/AAAAAAAACOY/ZRMYRhNGXcI/s1600/IMG_5975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iuSKdfna7Y/T8lpArpG3mI/AAAAAAAACOY/ZRMYRhNGXcI/s640/IMG_5975.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard Rock Hotel at City of Dreams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldm-gkrE2fM/T8loM2tVWMI/AAAAAAAACOI/K51gFr7ZPmc/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldm-gkrE2fM/T8loM2tVWMI/AAAAAAAACOI/K51gFr7ZPmc/s640/IMG_5955.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Dreams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cwLKqMUI8/T8n5ZdfNgMI/AAAAAAAACQI/8yri3ysCW1o/s1600/IMG_5958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5cwLKqMUI8/T8n5ZdfNgMI/AAAAAAAACQI/8yri3ysCW1o/s640/IMG_5958.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside City of Dreams waiting for Vquarium show to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZwkDIkL8MI/T8n5RqKYN-I/AAAAAAAACQA/KlpLEbhAqEI/s1600/IMG_5963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZwkDIkL8MI/T8n5RqKYN-I/AAAAAAAACQA/KlpLEbhAqEI/s640/IMG_5963.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We went inside the City of Dreams to catch a glimpse of the Vquarium Show. It is made of 4 video walls that shows lifelike mermaids swimming around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJh_fHhScks/T8n5c8HhClI/AAAAAAAACQQ/StGUWxKoe2o/s1600/IMG_5966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJh_fHhScks/T8n5c8HhClI/AAAAAAAACQQ/StGUWxKoe2o/s640/IMG_5966.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaids of the Vquarium Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After that we walked across to Venetian to check it out. As we stayed at the Venetian in Vegas when we were there, we were curious whether they were similar.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Sb5QJHzSY/T8lo7iIY_RI/AAAAAAAACOQ/sshu0U8SPzQ/s1600/IMG_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3Sb5QJHzSY/T8lo7iIY_RI/AAAAAAAACOQ/sshu0U8SPzQ/s640/IMG_5973.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venetian Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even the exterior looks the same as Vegas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zw7NkzN8peE/T8lpGBzTD7I/AAAAAAAACOg/72Bwu-UFrBk/s1600/IMG_5980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zw7NkzN8peE/T8lpGBzTD7I/AAAAAAAACOg/72Bwu-UFrBk/s640/IMG_5980.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Venetian is close to a large body of water, unlike Vegas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5eSzv4xev8/T8lpKA_GYLI/AAAAAAAACOo/3LUfnf1tND0/s1600/IMG_5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5eSzv4xev8/T8lpKA_GYLI/AAAAAAAACOo/3LUfnf1tND0/s640/IMG_5981.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92AiGwXZT_0/T8wFyEm7ZYI/AAAAAAAACQk/DimCNURZmvI/s1600/IMG_5984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92AiGwXZT_0/T8wFyEm7ZYI/AAAAAAAACQk/DimCNURZmvI/s640/IMG_5984.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venetian Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFUxQAYhO54/T8lqd4w2LQI/AAAAAAAACPA/iNaFGl4TvDo/s1600/12+Dec+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFUxQAYhO54/T8lqd4w2LQI/AAAAAAAACPA/iNaFGl4TvDo/s640/12+Dec+2009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of the Venetian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZt4Oumx9MY/T8wF2j_l3wI/AAAAAAAACQ0/85O61nhkNv8/s1600/IMG_5994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZt4Oumx9MY/T8wF2j_l3wI/AAAAAAAACQ0/85O61nhkNv8/s640/IMG_5994.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Foyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The interior is similar to the Venetian in Vegas - very grand and luxurious, but despite being so similar, Macau seems to lack a certain soul to it? Even walking outside along the casinos, both the husband and I found it lack a certain something. We definitely prefer Vegas, the atmosphere and feel of it is way better.<br />
<br />
Our final casino stop was to the MGM Grand. It has a noteworthy attraction, which is the dragon display. At certain times, the dragon will emerge from its hiding and gives a grand show. Here are some pictures of it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7uldo4AiOo/T8ln_Dfs-iI/AAAAAAAACN4/SmQI57Fu_wE/s1600/IMG_5933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7uldo4AiOo/T8ln_Dfs-iI/AAAAAAAACN4/SmQI57Fu_wE/s640/IMG_5933.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the dome at the bottom, the dragon will emerge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj4lANovoNU/T8ln3lRgoSI/AAAAAAAACNo/NgGRgSQ5wu0/s1600/IMG_5930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj4lANovoNU/T8ln3lRgoSI/AAAAAAAACNo/NgGRgSQ5wu0/s640/IMG_5930.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dragon in all its fury and glory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiQ23euOOpE/T8ln7lNHJTI/AAAAAAAACNw/1L_ZO-C0z8Y/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiQ23euOOpE/T8ln7lNHJTI/AAAAAAAACNw/1L_ZO-C0z8Y/s640/IMG_5932.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful ceiling showing all 12 zodiac animals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We headed back towards the Ferry Terminal and saw this beautiful statue and had to stop for a closer look. The statue is that of Goddess of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy) is 20 meters tall and made of special bronze. It is beautiful against the high rises in the background and the clear blue skies.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwX4kdQbio/T8n389VfBjI/AAAAAAAACPY/pKG8H7yrSH4/s1600/IMG_5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VOwX4kdQbio/T8n389VfBjI/AAAAAAAACPY/pKG8H7yrSH4/s640/IMG_5944.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs8hjx8a4Rk/T8n3zzsb6aI/AAAAAAAACPQ/650-RcliLbw/s1600/IMG_6140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs8hjx8a4Rk/T8n3zzsb6aI/AAAAAAAACPQ/650-RcliLbw/s640/IMG_6140.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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We finished our day in Macau at the Fisherman's wharf, where we had an ice cream and a few pictures before boarding our ferry back to Hong Kong. We didn't explore much of Fisherman's wharf as it felt rather tacky. It was done showing various world famous sights like the Rome Colosseum, Volcanoes and such. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisherman's Wharf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtRBkpZVxs/T8n4GxK_80I/AAAAAAAACPg/X8KSknBWYkE/s1600/IMG_5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVtRBkpZVxs/T8n4GxK_80I/AAAAAAAACPg/X8KSknBWYkE/s640/IMG_5999.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night View</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sands Casino</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com2Macau22.198745 113.54387322.1399385 113.464909 22.257551499999998 113.622837tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-41996959910854294212012-07-12T15:34:00.000+08:002012-07-12T15:34:07.207+08:00Post Alaska Cruise thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;">
7 days of bliss and pampering on board the Diamond Princess in Alaska, we are sad that it was all over in a blink of an eye. The hubby and I are cruise virgins and I am glad to report that we are now converted to cruising aficionados. 2 years ago when I first asked my hubby if he wants to go on a cruise, he had refused, fearing that he would have do a lot of socialising on board the cruise and be bored but it wasn't the case at all. We loved it so much that we have put deposit on another Alaskan cruise for June 2013!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubbard Glacier</td></tr>
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The mention of an Alaskan cruise always conjure out images of spectacular snow-capped mountains with glacier landscapes, and our cruise did not disappoint at all. There are quite a few cruise lines that do the Alaskan route and you will be spoilt for choice. I will do a blog post on tips for planning an Alaska Cruise later on, so stay tune.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrity Cruise Line in Alaska</td></tr>
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Not only can you see wonderful landscapes, the wildlife out there is amazing. We saw bald eagles, porpoises, sea otters, sealions, humpback whales and many more. The highlights of the cruise are the ports we call out. On the 7 day cruise, we had the chance to visit Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau, all of which have their own attractions and charm. One thing is for sure, you won't be bored on an Alaskan adventure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skagway with Cruise ships docked in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ketchikan</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com3Alaska, USA64.2008413 -149.493673338.990274299999996 170.0766392 89.411408299999991 -109.06398580000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-62568749006326444092012-07-09T10:52:00.002+08:002012-07-09T10:52:49.670+08:00Tips on how to plan a F&E to Tokyo from Singapore<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my friend is interested to go to Tokyo for a trip and was asking me for advise as she has no idea where to start. Since I visit Tokyo rather often, I decided to write a blog post about how to go about planning a free & easy trip to Tokyo.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgBnUl2M-14/T_eFIQgk85I/AAAAAAAADV0/AItKIFWFjxU/s1600/CIMG3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgBnUl2M-14/T_eFIQgk85I/AAAAAAAADV0/AItKIFWFjxU/s640/CIMG3369.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mount Fuji</td></tr>
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First and foremost when comes to trip planning, you will need to sort out your flights from Singapore to Tokyo. Tokyo has 2 airports, Narita and Haneda. Haneda is much closer to Tokyo then Narita but there are usually more flights into Narita than Haneda. Which to choose will come down to your own preference.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haneda - Bottom left, Narita - Upper right</td></tr>
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Here are some of the websites that you can use to search for flights:</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.zuji.com.sg/">Zuji</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.airfares.com.sg/">Misa Travel</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.singaporeair.com.sg/">Singapore airlines</a> (sometimes booking airlines direct may be cheaper)</div>
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Flying off peak will be cheaper. Avoid flying on a friday or saturday. Usually flying mid week will get you the cheapest fare. The prices ranges from low $600s to highs of over $1k during peak season. Other airlines worth checking are Delta Airlines and Cathy Airlines that do offer the low $600s during off peak season.</div>
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Once you have sorted your air ticket, the next most important thing on your list - is your accommodation. For information about tokyo's accommodation and where to stay, you can check out this <a href="http://stuckintinysingapore.blogspot.sg/2012/04/travelogue-tokyo-accommodation.html">blog post</a>.</div>
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Here are some of the websites for accommodation search:</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.zuji.com.sg/">Zuji </a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.expedia.com.sg/">Expedia</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://booking.com/">Booking.com</a></div>
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4. <a href="http://www.agoda.com.sg/">Agoda</a></div>
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It depends on how patient you are to trawl through more websites to find the cheapest deal. The above quotes in SGD. If you don't mind paying in foreign currency, you can check out more websites that sometimes give you an even better deals. Do comparisons between different sites, as from experience you may come across a better deal like breakfast or Wifi is included etc.</div>
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If it is your first time in Japan, a popular tourist must-do is to stay in a Ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional japanese inn that features tatami-matted rooms and baths. Here you get to wear Yukata (summer kimono) and sleep on futons. During your stay, you get to enjoy hot springs bath and try Kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine). It can be quite costly to stay in a Ryokan, but bear in mind that your stay includes both your breakfast and dinner. It is worth to splurge a little to have a taste of traditional Japan.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCaHexDk7vU/T_eLH4QixtI/AAAAAAAADWA/gIgHkbRBL70/s1600/hiiragiya-ryokan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCaHexDk7vU/T_eLH4QixtI/AAAAAAAADWA/gIgHkbRBL70/s640/hiiragiya-ryokan1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Ryokan Setting</td></tr>
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It may be difficult to find a Ryokan in Tokyo, but most tourists travel to Hakone to stay in a Ryokan. Here are some sites to have you to find/book one.</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.japanican.com/">Japanican</a></div>
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2. <a href="http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/index.htm">Japan Guesthouses</a></div>
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3. <a href="http://www.jalan.net/en/japan_hotels_ryokan/">Jalan </a></div>
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This is a difficult area to have someone help with your planning as it is very individual. What is my cup of tea may not be yours. Here is also a website that you can use to read up more on where to visit in Tokyo - <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/">Japan Guide</a>. They have listed attractions that you cannot miss on the website.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyzuBJhrNsg/T_eTqxf9X1I/AAAAAAAADWU/KnlVKDFhzEs/s1600/8+Oct+20095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyzuBJhrNsg/T_eTqxf9X1I/AAAAAAAADWU/KnlVKDFhzEs/s640/8+Oct+20095.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akihabara or Tokyo Tower?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="background-color: blue;">Tip 4: Getting Around Tokyo</span></span></div>
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Despite the fact that Tokyo is a huge metropolis that one can easily get lost in, her city transportation network is super efficient but can be to navigate. The best way to get around is to use either the Metro or Japan Railway (JR). Do check out Japan guide's page for more detailed information on getting around Tokyo <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2017.html">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy: Tokyo Metro</td></tr>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="background-color: blue;">Tip 5: When to visit?</span></span></div>
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Again this is your personal preference. Japan has distinct seasons and each season offers different things. I love to visit Tokyo during Spring and Autumn. Spring of course is for the Hanami (Cherry Blossom) season and autumn for the autumn foliage which is breathtakingly beautiful. Do bear in mind, those are also the times when it is peak season for tourists which means prices for air tickets and accommodation will be higher. If you still choose to go during peak season, it is always a great idea to book early to secure any good deals there are out there.</div>
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Hope this post will have enough to help you start planning your trip to Tokyo. Look out for my other posts of Tokyo ranging from off the beaten track to great food places to check out. </div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303606605116259422.post-5675185118013840152012-07-05T10:23:00.000+08:002012-07-05T10:23:55.738+08:00Travelogue: Trip to Perth Part 3 - Mandurah & Perth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The next place we went to during our short Perth trip was to Mandurah. Mandurah is the second-largest city in Western Australia and is located approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi) south of the state capital, Perth. The reason I decided to stop at Mandurah is that dolphins frequently swim by the city, and dolphin watching is very popular there. Since my parents had not seen it before, I thought it would be a great chance to do some dolphin watching there on our way back from Albany back up north to Perth.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out from Mandurah's harbour</td></tr>
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We went on the dolphin watching trip with <a href="http://www.mandurahferrycruises.com.au/">Mandurah Ferry cruises</a> on their one hour Dolphin & Mandurah Waterways Cruise on which you will get to see pods of dolphins. Unfortunately on this trip, we did not see a single Dolphin, instead we saw some views plus going past the Ocean Marina where expensive mansions line the Port Mandurah Canals. That was terribly disappointing since we had seen some whales, we would have love to spot some dolphins.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mandurah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuUrV_Pdyos/T8Q1sOL0GnI/AAAAAAAACFs/VZu9S3tBa1Q/s1600/IMG_7322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuUrV_Pdyos/T8Q1sOL0GnI/AAAAAAAACFs/VZu9S3tBa1Q/s640/IMG_7322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Fowls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homes lining the canal ways</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsKYGzIedb8/T8Q0v6mR3PI/AAAAAAAACFc/yNUktIHI3tI/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsKYGzIedb8/T8Q0v6mR3PI/AAAAAAAACFc/yNUktIHI3tI/s640/IMG_7320.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The largest home on the waterway, supposedly belonging to a rich Singaporean</td></tr>
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After Mandurah, we headed towards Fremantle for a quick look and for lunch. A lot of people mistaken Fremantle as a suburb of Perth, but it is a gorgeous little city that warrants a longer visit if you have the time. We were there for one reason, and that is for the famous fish and chips at Cicerello's. It has been an institution since early 1900s and famed for their fish and chips acclaimed as the best in Western Australia. It is situated at Fisherman's Wharf with both indoor and outdoor sitting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kikF4e-dZcQ/T8YHQ0OsZQI/AAAAAAAACGA/OyaTSIA4iEE/s1600/IMG_7714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kikF4e-dZcQ/T8YHQ0OsZQI/AAAAAAAACGA/OyaTSIA4iEE/s640/IMG_7714.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cicerello's fish & chips</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VA3LTpz3Ohw/T8YHYPb5niI/AAAAAAAACGQ/1R9KJkE-f94/s1600/IMG_7716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VA3LTpz3Ohw/T8YHYPb5niI/AAAAAAAACGQ/1R9KJkE-f94/s640/IMG_7716.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family pack - with all options</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWf1H4Ayryo/T8YHUWAvmZI/AAAAAAAACGI/VPwXXL3nzA0/s1600/IMG_7715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWf1H4Ayryo/T8YHUWAvmZI/AAAAAAAACGI/VPwXXL3nzA0/s640/IMG_7715.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish & chips - too hungry to wait for photos first</td></tr>
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After lunch we headed back to Perth for a quick run before we had to head to the airport for home. We drove quickly round to get a quick look as we weren't that interested in cities, so we headed towards Kings Park which is located on the western edge of the city. It stands over 1000 acre in size and has some lovely views over the Swan River and the city, so definitely worth a visit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9w5jji_I1g/T8YHpwGAgPI/AAAAAAAACGY/8DsA92hZ8ZM/s1600/IMG_7720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9w5jji_I1g/T8YHpwGAgPI/AAAAAAAACGY/8DsA92hZ8ZM/s640/IMG_7720.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perth City Streets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CdQ9mghYIE/T8YHtRQ6CgI/AAAAAAAACGg/gsWNN1BOluY/s1600/IMG_7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CdQ9mghYIE/T8YHtRQ6CgI/AAAAAAAACGg/gsWNN1BOluY/s640/IMG_7721.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perth central business district viewed from Kings Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-End_IzU27jo/T8YIFGlkAOI/AAAAAAAACGw/xKCn1txkBmk/s1600/IMG_7725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-End_IzU27jo/T8YIFGlkAOI/AAAAAAAACGw/xKCn1txkBmk/s640/IMG_7725.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful view of Perth City</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvFG07i31wA/T8YIIbYajTI/AAAAAAAACG4/06ka7KpDNDw/s1600/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvFG07i31wA/T8YIIbYajTI/AAAAAAAACG4/06ka7KpDNDw/s640/IMG_7726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swan River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6h6XLDzDrc/T8YIUDSvFFI/AAAAAAAACHI/Gn4hhV3VpmU/s1600/IMG_7740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6h6XLDzDrc/T8YIUDSvFFI/AAAAAAAACHI/Gn4hhV3VpmU/s640/IMG_7740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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There are plenty to do at the park, ranging from the Botanic Gardens found within the park to a tree top walk to War memorials.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGPpIKII0ps/T8YJuic_5mI/AAAAAAAACHQ/oqL4guOioGk/s1600/IMG_7741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGPpIKII0ps/T8YJuic_5mI/AAAAAAAACHQ/oqL4guOioGk/s640/IMG_7741.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ndItgo37ik/T8YJxEgS0pI/AAAAAAAACHY/t5PCrWIiolA/s1600/IMG_7742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ndItgo37ik/T8YJxEgS0pI/AAAAAAAACHY/t5PCrWIiolA/s640/IMG_7742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Overall, we had a fantastic time in Perth. Hope to be back again!!!</div>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15037580537009979835noreply@blogger.com1Perth WA, Australia-31.9528536 115.8573389-31.9797991 115.8178569 -31.9259081 115.89682090000001