My Last Trip of 2011 to Paris...

Paris, France 

[caption id="attachment_1127" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="My trip to Paris was my last trip of 2011"][/caption]

It was the most awesome standby call up I ever had. I was jumping with joy when I knew that I was activated for a flight to Paris. Not only I get to come back to Singapore in time to spend New Year countdown with my loved ones, I also get to visit one of my favorite cities in my list. I can't think of any women who will not love Paris. Other than our love affair with Louis Vuitton, there are also beautiful architecture and romantic atmosphere to fall in love with.



This is the place where Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes at the top of Eiffel Tower. It was old-fashioned but it was definitely romantic. Every girl dreams of her own fairy tales and want to live happily ever happy with their charming prince. My ideal marriage proposal need not be fanciful but it would be rather just the two of us in a simple and romantic setting. :)

These are also some of the places that I have been to in Paris...

King Louis XIII at Palace of Versailles

Notre Dame Cathedral 

Musée du Louvre

Da Vinci Code is one of my favorite movies and I was really thrilled when I saw The Louvre Pyramids. I didn't get a chance to visit the museum but I will certainly be back for my next trip here.

Outdoor ice skating rink

How cool! If only there is winter season in Singapore as well..

And...Some bits and pieces of Paris...

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I had the pistachio macaroon and it was so yum yum!







[caption id="attachment_1145" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Ferris Wheel"][/caption]





We ended our Paris trip with a lovely ride on the Ferris Wheel, overlooking Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees. Simply Awesooomeeeee... :)



Good Food...

Good Wine...

And of cos...Good Company to hang out with that has made my last trip of 2011 a delighting one! :)

Today is the last day of the year 2011 and it is also the time for reflection. I am not someone who can express myself well in words but I shall try my best here...

I graduated with my Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management and I entered the workforce straight after 3 years of poly life. I am really glad that I have fulfilled my dream job that has allowed me to travel around the world. This is the very reason why I have decided to pursue a tourism diploma. I am appreciating it everyday and enjoying what I am doing so much.

There is always a difference between paying to study and being paid to work. I always believe in this motivational quote "Every obstacle is destroyed through rigor." Hard work will pay off at the end of the day. It took me some time for me to get used to working life but I have definitely grown mature along the way. I withdraw out from Junior College despite that I had the best 'O' levels result in my secondary school. I had the thoughts of dropping out of Poly too because it was tough to gain back the momentum to study after being a school dropout for a year. My dear friends, never give up trying on what you believe in. There will always be an open path for those who don't stop trying. Having a positive minds can create very positive things in your life. Always believe that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Also, I hope that I will not abandon my travel blog and continue to blog about my experience to share with my close friends and those who appreciate it. Buying my DSLR Nikon D5100 has brought me more joy than owning a Louis Vuitton or Prada bag. I will keep on shooting and improve my photography skills, bringing my dearest readers to feel what I want to portray through my lens. I do not know who or is there anyone who visit my blog but if you are reading this, thank you so much for visiting!

And viola, I wish everyone a Happy and Wonderful 2012 filled with abundance, joy, and treasured moments.

Enjoy your New Year Countdown with your loved ones at wherever you are in the world! :D

A Day To The Ancient Watertown...

Shanghai, China 



It was an impromptu call up to Shanghai but nevertheless, I had a worthwhile trip to QiBao Ancient Watertown (七宝古镇). There is lots of photo opportunity found in this quaint little thousand year old town, where you can still find antique buildings from the Northern Song Dynasty.

[caption id="attachment_1064" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Entrance to QiBao"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1065" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="The Pagoda near the entrance"][/caption]

May I suggest having an empty stomach when you visit this ancient water town. If not, you will be missing out on some good local snacks (上海小吃).



[caption id="attachment_1068" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Xiao Long Bao (小笼包)"][/caption]

It was so good that I had two baskets (16 pcs) by myself. I am a Xiao Long Bao's lover! I am a Chinese and I like my food to be served pipping hot! I always miss our Asian food when I am in European countries. And an interesting thing that I have noticed is that they do not provide shredded ginger and spoon in China. So...Does that mean the authentic way of eating Xiao Long Bao is without shredded ginger and spoon?

[caption id="attachment_1070" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Tangyuan (汤圆)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1077" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Candied Haw in a Stick (冰糖葫蘆)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1078" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Vinegar Pork Trotter (猪脚醋)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1080" align="alignnone" width="584" caption="Braised Pigeon (乳鸽)"][/caption]



This is one of the three bridges found in QiBao. It gives me a feeling that I was in those ancient chinese series (古装剧).









When you are in QiBao, you got to take the boat trip along the canals to complete the whole feel.



Aaaahhh... So nostalgic...







Personally, I think it would be even better to have tradition performance acts such as an old Chinese man playing erhu (二胡) on the streets to enhance the whole laid-back atmosphere.



I also tried an attempt on street photography to give more characteristics to my photo album for this trip. Here are some of my amateur shots..













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If you are trying to figure out this photo, this is me sitting in the old boat.

I am pretty satisfied with my photos as I have captured the feel that I wanted to portray for this place. Looking forward to my next trip.. Till then.. ;)