Continued from Day 2 Part 1 of our journey of a 2 days 1 night stay at Lake District Cumbria......
Please view ♥ Our Travelogue ♥ for easier browsing of itinerary.
Exploring the relaxing lifestyles of the locals at Ambleside is a true wonder. Strolling around at a slow pace; sitting under a tree eating pastry and sipping coffee. After another long walk, got tired after many sight-seeings and souvenir shopping, we popped by a cafe to settle down at Lucy's on a Plate located on Church Street.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Day 2 Windermere: Dining at Lucy's on a Plate, Lake Windermere & the Hills
Day 2 Windermere, Cumbria: Bowness-on-Windermere & Ambleside
Continuing from Day 1: Exploring Windermere town and settled for a comfy B&B......
After a satisfying local homemade English breakfast, we decided to head towards Bowness-on-Windermere: Lakeland's most popular holiday resort; a tourist town which is quoted as an excellent centre for boating activities.
We decided not to drive and took the long walk, passing by Bowness Bay and adjourn to the pier as we're gonna cross England's largest lake to a town called Ambleside!
source
Most attractions could be viewed here.
Fyi, Windermere is situated above and away from the lake of about 1 mile/1.5km while Bowness-on-Windermere being the main tourist centre on the lake.
We walked for miles, but the word tired did not seem to appear in the dictionary as we're distracted by beautiful routes, picturesque surroundings and of course, the prefect cooling climate.
Adventurous route begins here!
Windermere, Lake District @ Cumbria, England - 2 days 1 night
It's about time again we continue to share our travel tales from the west.
Beautiful tales from the countryside this time.
The Lake District, a mountainous region located in the North West of England. Very famous for its lakes and its mountains, it has became a popular holiday destination; for those who seek tranquility and peace especially. Right here at Lake District, nestled the National Park and it also contains the deepest and longest lakes in England. Lake Windermere is one of them & it is the largest natural lake in England, and is fed by numerous rivers.
A glimpse of our 2 days 1 night stay at Windermere, Cumbria.
Another spontaneous trip it was. We depended solely on the GPS we've got after renting a car. Without booking any hotels/ shelters. Exciting!
It took us about 3 hours to reach Windermere from Glasgow with coffee break stops at Carlisle and other districts, overwhelmed with 'ooo-s and ahh-s' of their picturesque landscape.
Bali Day 4: Pasar Seni Sukawati, Kintamani, Pura Tirta Empul & Tegalalang
Continued from Bali Day 3......
After enjoying our beauty sleep at Green Field, Ubud, we continued our last day itinerary. Time just swift by quicker especially when you're on a holiday.
Our Day 4 was spent on more last minute shopping & more sight seeing.
#1 Shopping at Pasar Seni Sukawati
Travelling to Ubud, be it the mountain areas of Bali or to the East coast of the island, you will inevitably pass through the market town of Sukawati. We would say it would be a smart choice to shop here as most of the items you buy on the streets of Kuta, Legian or Seminyak originated from here.
Paintings, wood carvings, girls' accessories e.g bags, blings or sandals, you could bargain down to a very surprising price :)
Bali Day 3: Babi Guling, Pasar Ubud, Pura Taman Ayun, Kopi Luwak, Pura Ulun Danu, Tanah Lot & Smoked Duck at Bebek Bengil
Continued from Bali Day 2......
After pampering ourselves with a great stay at Tegal Sari, we were thrilled to carry on our third day plan!
A summary of our Day 3 itinerary:
#1 Babi Guling @ Ibu Oka
Even after our Banana Pancake breakfast at the villa, we decided to head over to Ibu Oka's Ubud branch for another round of late breakfast. We were there early as they open at around 11am & we waited patiently for the arrival of the huge Babi Guling.
Tegal Sari, Ubud, Bali
A day fun-filled with activities have to be compensated with a relaxing & comfortable , energy-recharging hide-out somehow.
Our 2nd night's accommodation was spent in Ubud; a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali.
Tegal Sari to be precise.
Villa concept rooms that offer tranquillity, privacy and comfort churning out a relaxing atmosphere. We had rooms facing the the green rice field, overlooking the nature, hearing natural harmony of frogs croaking & crickets sing.
Bali Day 2: Made's Warung, Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Spa, Sunset at Uluwatu & Delicious Ribs at Naughty Nuri's
Our Driver
Mr. Bagus. He charged IDR 300,000 per car (Toyota Avanza)/ day. He offered to pick us up at the airport on the first day (without charges). Thus the total amount we spent for transport was IDR 900,000/ RM318.20 (for 3 full days, for 4 person). Great deal eh?
Continued from Bali Day 1......
A night to re-energize and we're all ready for action again. Woke up early and checked out of Tune hotel (we stayed in 3 different hotels for the 3 nights we spent in Bali).
Here's our itinerary for Day 2:
#1 Breakfast at Made's Warung
For locals or even tourist alike, this place is famous. We have read reviews on Bali's must dine-in venue and Warung Made (pronounced as 'mah-deh') had made it on almost every page of the dining lists. Since it's highly recommended, we were even excited to check it out for ourselves. It's local food we're searching for! :)
Note: Will update price soon
Pork Satay
Pork Satay
Gado-Gado (Vegetable in peanut sauce)
Bali, Indonesia Day 1: Jimbaran Seafood Dinner & Kuta Town
I remembered well when Citygal texted me from Malaysia while we were still in Glasgow.
Air Asia zero fair!
Without second thought, the answer "yes" just voiced out automatically.
Here we were, in Bali with no regrets and this was an unforgettable trip with KampungboyCitygal.
#1 Air Asia cheap return flights that cost us only RM80 per person (includes check-in luggage)
Hanoi Day 4: Silk, Ceramic Village & Porcupine for dinner!
Gotta clear this travel backlog on Hanoi before we share our post on Bali!
The last day in Hanoi was spent mainly on emblematic or symbolic site visits;
What else?
Silks and ceramics.
Van Phuc Silk Village
We headed to Van Phuc which is situated on the bank of Nhue River, 10km from Hanoi on the southwest motorway. The village is centered in a town known as Ha Dong, Ha Tay Province, and is well known as the biggest silk production village in Vietnam.
The main road is surrounded by greenery, ponds, and architectures with Chinese civilization.
Hanoi Day 3: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's tomb, Temple of Literature & endless Food Trail
Feel free to click on our ♥ Our Travelogue ♥ for easier browsing.
Continued from our previous visit to HaLong Bay...
We woke up the next morning feeling all energized up and ready for more sight-seeings on the 3rd day.
Some stop-overs in between our favourite food slots?
We're very typical tourists who can't miss out some of the famous & most visited spots!
We're very into the myths and ancient history of Vietnam which added colour and curiosity to the oldest capital city in south east Asia & in present, Hanoi had turned lively, composing stories with full of character and ever-changing expression.
Here's more of Hanoi!
#1 Enjoy your breakfast at Sofitel
(please refer to our 1st post on details of the hotel)
A good morning filled to the max with a widespread f yummy breakfast. From western to authentic Asian selections. I had pho everyday! :)
Mr. Curry (Japanese Curry & Sweet House) @ The Central, Singapore
I feel like heading down South again.
Time spent there the last time we went were just not enough.
Thanks to Citygal's sweet cousin, we got introduced to this Japanese Curry House located at the Central.
Mr. Curry was its name.
The name tells it all. Curry was the ,ain agenda for dinner that night.
I found a story for Mr.Curry (a sister outlet together with Pasta de Waraku, under Waraku corporate)
Mr. Curry was a chef from Curry Land.
Together with Mango-nyan, they traveled the world in search of curry dishes. They finally stumbled upon the finest curry in Japan. With the passion of sharing, they wanted the whole world to experience the wonder “Japanese Curry”. And so, they decided to bring you “Mr Curry”. They hope that all will enjoy the experience and that those lovely curry flavours will bring satisfaction and cheerful smiles to their guests.
Please enjoy the wonderful journey of “Mr Curry”.
Choose your desired flavour! We had Original :)
Pork Omelette Curry Rice - RM12.80
Vietnam Day 2: The Bay of Descending Dragon, Ha Long
Refer to ♥ Our Travelogue ♥ for easier access!
Continued from Vietnam Day 1...
Our second day in Vietnam was settled off with a day tour to Halong Bay. I'm pretty sure most of you knows it's like a compulsory mission to visit Halong while you're near Hanoi. From Hanoi, we took a private tour with a coach taking us all the way to catch a boat. It took us about 3.5 hours just to reach the jetty while it was only approximately 160km away from Sofitel Plaza! Blame no one but the narrow 'highway' they owned.
Ahem *clears throat*
Before moving into our itinerary, allow me to brag about Ha Long.
Ha Long Bay includes 1,600 islands and islets in the Gulf of Tonkin, in province Quang Ninh that forms a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. And this was the main reason that Ha Long Bay was listed by UNESCO in its World Heritage Sites. Not only that, it is also a finalist for the latest World's 7 Natural Wonders & recognized as one of the 33 most beautiful bays of the world.
Pretty awesome right? We thought so too, and HaLong Bay was our favourite travel spot throughout our week at Vietnam.
Behold: the Icon of Halong Bay - Fighting Cock or Kissing Cock. Some said fight, some mentioned kiss. I'm confused myself too. I preferred it to be named Kissing though.
Come discover Oban, Argyll @ Scotland, UK
Great views from the busy port, surrounded by many long-standing shops, houses and guests house
Oban literally means the 'little bay' is known as the 'Gateway to the Isles', with panoramic views of mountains, lochs and islands. You could catch a glimpse of this bustling port from the top of the 'Bealach-an-Righ'. As you sweep down the hills towards the bay, the view opens up before you. This is when one appreciate why Oban has developed into one of Scotland's most popular west coast holiday towns.
Mari Makan di Tanjung Sepat
When dad suggested that we should go out together, it must be something we should all game for.
"Let's have a day food trip to Tanjung Sepat"
Not a surprise at all, I was the first to agree immediately.
Equipped with a "food map", we were so ready to go hunt down some famous delicacies at Tanjung Sepat.
Stopped half-way to quench our thirst with some rambutans
Tanjung Sepat is a town in Kuala Langat district in Selangor, on the Straits of Malacca which is primarily a fishing town & is about 20 minutes away from Morib Beach.
We stopped by again at one of the fishing village for some snaphots.
We stopped by again at one of the fishing village for some snaphots.
Hanoi, Vietnam Day 1: Leisuring with Coffee, Food & Night Walks
Refer to ♥ Our Travelogue ♥ for easier access!
Chào bạn!
Our Hanoi holiday was really a spontaneous one. Chris asked me on a Saturday night and the next thing I know was, I'm on the plane with him the following Thursday!
I never see this coming and both of us never thought that we would be paying Hanoi a visit this soon.
Furthermore, there was warnings on the Ketsana Typhoon that hit Vietnam during our time of visit. We were blessed. It didn't affect Hanoi. 5 days of maximum sunshine!
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, lies on the banks of the Red River and is the second-largest city of Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh. Once occupied dominantly by the Chinese and French plus moments with the Japanese too, Vietnamese culture is just very comprehensive.
#1 We witnessed the fairly poverty
#2 We saw the action-packed motorcyclists without-the-traffic-lights performance. I could just closed my eyes tight and cross the road with Chris hand-in-hand. I assure you it's safe. All you hear is the sounds of honks tootling away like a common melody that most people know in Vietnam.
Hanoi old quarter with all the traffic of scooters are typical to the Vietnamese congested city centers. Here, no rule seem to apply however, it seems to work pretty well overall surprisingly.
#3 Sofitel Plaza Hanoi - this was where we stayed.
Luxury with a French flair. Located at the heart of Hanoi close to the old quarter, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi has a long history of being a luxury place for many prestigious events and popular rendezvous. With its charming interior, this hotel blends the warm Vietnamese hospitality with the European luxury heritage offering comfortable rooms and good services.
the lobby
Ipoh Day 3: Three Breakfasts and Tualang Seafood for Lunch
Continued from Ipoh Day 1 & 2...
8 meals a day during Day 2 did not hold us back from continuing our Ipoh gastronomic adventure as we've already gave in our waistline. Fret not during an eating trip. These what what we all planned to do!
3 Breakfasts in a row!
#1 Restoran Paris - Famous Hakka Noodles and Liew
Used to operate their business at the opposite coffee shop named Yin Yau Kui Restaurant, the Famous Hakka Noodles have shifted to this Paris cafe. It was my first time having hakka noodles with tauge (bean sprouts) in it. Oh, how could you miss out tauge when you're in Ipoh! The yeung liew to go with it were good too, but you won't get a chance to choose in particular which liew you wanted. Just inform them the number of servings, and they'll pick for you.
Barcelona, Spain Part 3: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Tramvia Blau- Tibidabo & Paella
Continued from Barcelona Part 1 & Part 2...
Hola again!
We spent approximately 3 days in Barcelona enjoying sunshine and touring around on the Bus Turistic mentioned in my previous posts. Very convenient. We spent our final day channeling towards a higher side of the city, via the RED route. View our tour route HERE.
We would just love to reinforce a statement. "Architectures and the construction styles of Barcelona is really one fascinating thing to witness." All I know was we "oohed and ahhed" for 3 days. Maybe we'll settle down if we're there longer, but who knows? Lotsa surprises at Barcelona. We wish we could be there longer...
To ascertain the statement we mentioned earlier...
#1 The Sagrada Familia Church (1883-2032??)
This magnificent church is actually still under construction after about more than 120 years. Building work began in the 19th-century and is funded bu churchgoers and devotees, through ticket revenue from visitors like us. Another masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, at time of his death in 1926 due to an accident, only one of the towers had been completed. The continuation of Gaudi's project has become an unmistakable symbol of Barcelona.
Ipoh Day 2: Eight Meals in a Day
Continued from Ipoh Day 1.....
After a good night sleep at Citygal's place, we woke up the next morning, all geared up for more food crawling. She has the EAT LIST.
We were so ready to explore Ipoh. I meant Ipoh delicacies.
Let's chow down, shall we?
Just an overview of our day 2 food tour:
The Foh San environment
Oyster Sauce Crabs - one of Meng Wa Seafood's specialty. We heart its thick and flavoursome oyster sauce!
Ching Po Leung & Mixed Fruit Shaved Ice
#1 The New Foh San Dim Sum
I've been to Foh San years ago when they were still not allocated to this new address, and I was really amazed with the new Foh San building. At one glance, we noticed the well-dressed exterior with a neat and oriental furnishings. With another glance scrutinized, there were the crowds! Tables of families, with more patrons waiting at each and every single table for their turn to be seated. We were one of those groups, paused at Foh San waiting patiently. I've heard that they have good buisness like this everyday! Very impressive. Just hope that they'll consider letting their customers wait in line with numbers instead of standing guard of the tables. But in a good way, the patrons who were eating will tend to eat faster rite! ;)
The Foh San environment
The Dim Sums - Chris and I find these little fried and steamed savouries good. To be honest, I've forgotten what the dim sums tasted like during the old Foh San times, but I liked them. No furious complaints on these dishes.
Restoran Foh San Ipoh
51 Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: (605) 254-0308
Fax: (605) 253-5432
#2 Tian Chun (House of Mirror) - Egg Custard
Since we missed this on our very first day in Ipoh, the intention to have this sweet indulgence accumulated stronger. We ta-paoed the egg custard from Tian Chun and have this savoured in Foh San (shhh... outside food!) Very wobbly, you'llhave to let it stand and rest for a while before you could capture the perfect picture of it. Do not blame your shaky hands but it's the egg custard's fault. ;P Caramel drizzled onto the custard was heavenly and not forgeting its smoothness, great for ladies! However, according to Citygal, its standard had somehow decreased compared to the last time she had hers.
#3 Funny Mountain Tau Foo Fah
We know where to head next. Remember I mentioned that foods like hor fun, chicken and CCF are smoother here in Ipoh? This Tau Foo Fah proved I'm correct once again. At Funny Mountain, they even have drive-thru service :) Oh yes, business is good here. I think if we drop by later, we would missed the chance to give this a try. Do check out their Tau Foo Fah and Soy Milk!
Funny Mountain
49 Jalan Theatre
Ipoh, Perak
#4 Sin Eng Heong - Mini Kaya Puff
We just couldn't miss any queuing. Lining up was a part time during our visit, same goes to getting the aromatic Kaya Puff. Fresh from the oven, this was an extra credit. Crispy outer layer with hot and great-smelling coconut jam; the kaya - sweet and creamy. We all hummed "Hmmmmm.....!"
Sin Eng Heong
Jalan Clare, Ipoh, Perak
No. 64, Jln Mustapha Al-Bakri,
Jln Clare,30300,Ipoh Perak.
#5 Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot) - Yeung Tau Foo (YTF)
This stall is nextled under a huge tree, and therefore named Dai Shu Geok. It was here that Chris and I got to know that YTF in Ipoh are also known as "LIEW" as in Yeung Liew (in Cantonese).
The crowd lining up for "LIEWs". Love the Liews here as the fish paste is springy and has a better texture; once again - smooth.
The LIEW's company; smooth hor fun.
Big Tree Foot (Dai Shu Geok)
located behind Tuck Kee Restaurant
Jalan King, Pasir Pinji,
31650 Ipoh, Perak
#6 Kedai Kopi Kwong Hong - for more Yeung LIEW again
We preferred the YTF in sold at Big Tree Foot as they have better texture. Tastewise, still satisfactory. Besides, dining under a big tree sounded more awesome. ;P I meant better feeling.
#7 Restoran Kam Wan (Aneka Selera) a.k.a Tung Ku Teng
One of the longest operating food court in Ipoh and an active one, we dined here for some street food and also had crabs from Meng Wa Seafood.
Oyster Sauce Crabs - one of Meng Wa Seafood's specialty. We heart its thick and flavoursome oyster sauce!
My first encounter to Hakka Lui Cha. Thanks to Citygal's parents :)
Wan Thau Long (“Giddy-Headed Bloke”, also known as Lengkung Kuning) that is only found in Perak. I love this sourish wobbly cold share of dessert! It was a peculiar order to us KL people as I've never tasted desserts like this.
#8 Dessert Street (Tong Shui Kai)
Our final meal for day 2...
More desserts would be best!
But we went and ordered more than desserts.
Ngap Keok Pau - A delicacy comprising a slice of pork, a slice of liver and a duck’s foot around which intestine is wrapped to form a parcel. I'm definitely no big fan of intestines and livers, but I am more than willing to try this again! :) I was like eating a drumstick instead.
Crackers with thick Rojak Sauce & peanut drizzles.
Ching Po Leung & Mixed Fruit Shaved Ice
Plain Wantan Noodles
Tong Sui Kai is located opposite SRJKC Sam Tet, off Jalan Sultan Idris
Mention Ipoh and it is not tin and caves that comes to mind but food. We manage to dig into Ipoh’s culinary icons like white coffee, hor fun, and bean sprouts-chicken.
These gastronomic gems are still extending...
Oh and what to get as souvenirs? Forget postcards and magnets, as this will replace all.
The unforgettable Heong Peng
For more undiscovery, visit J2Kfm's review HERE
Seng Kee Food Trading (the house)
177, Lorong Gunung Rapat 3,
Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: +605 312 0972
Hp: +6012 507 0728
Seng Kee Heang Peah Enterprise (the shop)
No 2, Selasar Rokam 11, Taman Ipoh Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: +6012 563 0717
