tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8920184337611165492024-03-06T03:38:56.896+08:00Wanderlust Travellera hijabi travel diaryNadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-67539009025773432162020-04-03T13:38:00.000+08:002020-04-04T20:51:18.984+08:00My Solo Sojourn in Greenland - Pt. 2 [2018]<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pt. 2 - Snowshoe Hiking, Dog Sledding & a Trip to the Glacier</b></span><br />
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I had envisioned how this day would go as I make my way to Kangerlussuaq Airport for my domestic flight to Ilulissat. Little did I know that what I imagined would come crashing down as my flight was delayed for more than 6 hours due to technical & weather issues. <i>C'est la vie.</i></div>
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This wouldn't have been so bad but for the fact that Kangerlussuaq Airport - the biggest airport in Greenland - is so small that there's really not much to explore. So of course, I used the opportunity to play a game of people watching, had lunch, walked around the airport area (the weather was quite lovely with all the white snow, and the airport windows provided mountainous views, so I could've been stranded somewhere much worse), all in an attempt to while away the hours.</div>
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It seems that the small population (with only 500+ pax in Kangerlussuaq, and about 50,000+ Greenlandic people roaming about) lends itself to some intimate knowledge of your neighbours. There's a general sense of camaraderie between the locals whom I saw milling about at the airport, where everyone seemed to know each other and would strike up conversations among themselves while I sat apart from the circle. It's an interesting dynamic to watch, and it's a comfort to know that you will always know your neighbours and community.</div>
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After 6 hours of waiting, I did manage to get on the flight (I feared it would've been cancelled altogether), and finally arrived in Ilulissat when it's dark out - so there went my plans for the day, heh. The Malay Muslim adage "Kita hanya merancang, Allah yang menentukan" is very apt here. (Lit: <i>They plan, God plans - and God is the best of planners.</i>)</div>
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Upon arrival at Ilulissat airport (with a bewildering transit at Aasiat airport, where we had to disembark the plane, go inside the very small airport, and then go back out to board another plane which would take us to Ilulissat), I was greeted by Hotel Icefiord's driver, who would take me to my lodging for the next 4 days.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Icefiord - Gotta love the ubiquitous romantic lighting the Scandinavians & Greenland seem to love</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I admit that I really splurged on this stay - there were other cheaper options, but the heart wants what it wants, and I'm loathe to deny myself anything when I'm travelling alone (ssh let me have my little luxuries). Wonder upon wonders, I was actually upgraded to another suite when there was a mishap at check-in, where I was directed to a room which was currently being renovated (lol, truly this trip is memorable in all the best ways).</span><br />
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With only three days left for a full exploration of Ilulissat, I had signed up for three activities which would take place on different days - snowshoe hiking, dog sledding, a city walk, and a hike to Semermiut glacier. I opted to follow World of Greenland for the <a href="https://www.worldofgreenland.com/en/excursions-only-in-winter/snowshoe-hike" target="_blank">snowshoe hike</a> & dog sledding, and another tour to chase the aurora. Unfortunately (again) for me, the skies did not clear at all at night during my stay in Ilulissat, so there was no chance for me to glimpse a view of that elusive lady.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Snowshoe Hike</span></b></div>
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My first full day in Ilulissat started with the snowshoe hike. I made my way from my hotel to World of Greenland's office situated in the middle of Ilulissat small town, which I would know intimately during my stay in Greenland. Snow had been falling almost incessantly, which made the walk slippery where the ice had melted and tramped over - and so I repeat the nightmare I had while walking to the train station which would take us from Narvik to Abisko back in 2017 lol (which reminds me, I have yet to post that particular adventure, because there are just too many photos to sort through, heh).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAs0jK2gMwgEapNv_fmTpk_Np7to2IsMbyGZYA0Ivqf0JN_PZHix59t8qNLscB0uX7KMJ1Uq8YZ5wNylDd4XsSTFFqHWKoZh7L52YySmxnm-60Ap7FYK5u-NVbLrkTpEflnLh42C8R6A/s1600/IMG_8537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAs0jK2gMwgEapNv_fmTpk_Np7to2IsMbyGZYA0Ivqf0JN_PZHix59t8qNLscB0uX7KMJ1Uq8YZ5wNylDd4XsSTFFqHWKoZh7L52YySmxnm-60Ap7FYK5u-NVbLrkTpEflnLh42C8R6A/s640/IMG_8537.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daily trek from Hotel Icefiord to Ilulissat town</td></tr>
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After meeting up with the tour guide for the day (Mads), I was acquainted with the only other tourist who will be joining me on the snowshoe hike, Sarah - a Danish doctor who has been posted in Ilulissat for a month (so jealous). Apparently tourists are so scarce this time around (peak season would only start in Feb / March) that tour guides would know all the tourists by name, heh. I did see a lot of the same faces milling around town, which only proves the point.</div>
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Our hike would follow the Semermiut Yellow trail, which starts from the power plant and ends at the old heliport - while you can technically do this hike yourself, if you're not used to the area, it would be better to do the hike with a tour guide or a local as most of the trail & its markers are not visible due to the heavy snow. This was especially true on the day of my hike - snow was falling non-stop, and the day was cloudy through the night.</div>
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Despite the weather, Mads was game enough to continue the hike (even with only two tourists to guide, when they would usually require four).</div>
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It was truthfully another world of experience for a Malaysian like me, as I was not used to snow and super cold weather even after some exposure during my stay in the US & my trips to the Arctic - having to trudge through deep snow wearing what seems like tennis rackets attached to my boots, lol. Can't say the snowshoe wasn't effective though - I almost wish I had it for my next solo hike to Semermiut on the next few days!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGvOpRiUac3gIDRV8wvZpuY0FfllwF_U0hnEopr6ihbxSL8YAD8664dwOTZ9bEwJ_hQEmUcQvc48l7sChR7G0dEHjEBFQEKunrim3lMZIDzJ_faRE_Z3-ZD5IWxYDtGN3YjgoSqNDKOA/s1600/IMG_8260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGvOpRiUac3gIDRV8wvZpuY0FfllwF_U0hnEopr6ihbxSL8YAD8664dwOTZ9bEwJ_hQEmUcQvc48l7sChR7G0dEHjEBFQEKunrim3lMZIDzJ_faRE_Z3-ZD5IWxYDtGN3YjgoSqNDKOA/s640/IMG_8260.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ilulissat town</td></tr>
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In all honesty, even with the crappy weather, I truly loved the hike. The sounds of our snowshoes scraping against the underlying rocks and ground as we wade through the snow, the snow falling all around us, the sounds of our breathing as we hiked our way through the trail, and the almost oppressive silence all around us makes us feel like the only three person left alive on Greenland during that hike.</div>
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We took a much-needed break in the cold at our "picnic point" - this would typically be where you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Semermiut glaciers, but the snow and cloud was so thick that we can barely make out what's in front of us. Regardless, Mads took out some hot chocolate and biscuits for some snacks. Truly one of the most riveting silence I have ever had the pleasure to experience.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbt6TxiVBofeoemmSBek8vgw-L1Wj-toxs2jmgO-E64lV_P2XYaQv-T10HIpaQH44-XwcXBZCwhIIzS6Qas570_yfu7I2RojDB9m8efZt20UenRyN8GQP-EOHB8W7eT0yhD4CVVxgWvA/s1600/IMG_8275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbt6TxiVBofeoemmSBek8vgw-L1Wj-toxs2jmgO-E64lV_P2XYaQv-T10HIpaQH44-XwcXBZCwhIIzS6Qas570_yfu7I2RojDB9m8efZt20UenRyN8GQP-EOHB8W7eT0yhD4CVVxgWvA/s640/IMG_8275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Dog Sledding</b></div>
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Another one of those must-do activities you can opt for during winter in Greenland: dog sledding. This still remains one of the mode of transportation for some Inuit settlers, when the ice thickness permits it. With global warming changing our climate patterns, it's anyone's guess on how long this practice would be able to last (honestly, the scientists could probably tell you, but will any politicians listen? Spoiler: As of April 2020, no, they would not.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE00vf7cHNGjAa_zbXT749eiCZdGIXVccXEtrcCoh2iML4aAuneC8nHPm667VHFOTDBivhaHV10FLAxsZSrnYatwRORljY9Tw8M-iT6HmdGLR6J6T6iag_Bwm8uxcpI4AyzqNXwbk57A/s1600/IMG_8344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE00vf7cHNGjAa_zbXT749eiCZdGIXVccXEtrcCoh2iML4aAuneC8nHPm667VHFOTDBivhaHV10FLAxsZSrnYatwRORljY9Tw8M-iT6HmdGLR6J6T6iag_Bwm8uxcpI4AyzqNXwbk57A/s640/IMG_8344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dog sledding was an interesting experience - the majority of the mushers are Greenlandic Inuit, thus communication is next to impossible if you don't speak Greenlandic or Danish (the locals are fluent in both languages, and I suppose English is optional to the Inuits?). I was lucky that the other person who would be joining me in the activity was a local by the name of Daana, who could converse with the musher on my behalf when needed. She came along for the ride with an honest to good filming equipment - which she put to good use by filming the landscape (and me, heh - hey ma, I'm on Greenland TV) once we arrived on top.</div>
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My initial expectation was for us to ride through the expansive Greenlandic tundra, so imagine my surprise when the musher actually took us up the mountains. It was steep going up, and the pack of dogs were struggling to pull us before long. The musher said something to Daana, who informed me we would need to go down from the sled and <i>run uphill while pushing the dog sled </i>in order to gain back some momentum for the dogs to pull us forward again.</div>
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You have no idea the exertion and exercise I had to go through doing this - I was in between laughing in disbelief and gritting my teeth while pushing through it. It was no joke trying to push the sled uphill while running through thick snow, and it was something I'd never thought I had to experience. Having said that: IT WAS FUN 😂</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt like an Oompa Loompa wearing this lmao - it's essential to keep you warm though</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the top of the mountain, we hopped on back to the sled & continued our way through the snow with only the sounds of our movement to keep us company. Whatever I had expected to find on this journey, this was even beyond my wildest imagination.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daana, the local Greenlandic who was my partner for the dog sledding activity</td></tr>
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We stopped at a viewpoint where - surprise - it was foggy & clouded over. Truly, the weather was not being accommodating during my stay, heh. It was still a beautiful experience though, and Daana got to work with her video camera while I snapped a few pictures for keepsake.</div>
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We then made our way back to our initial location, and there was another fun experience awaiting me unknowingly - we would make our way down back that steep slope, thankfully without us having to push the sled.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our musher & the dogs having a well-deserved rest</td></tr>
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You know that feeling when you ride the rollercoaster, and there's a moment before the sharp plunge you can see at the end of the horizon before you actually plunge down? Yeah, that was how I felt during that steep slope downwards, except there was nothing to hold on to and there were no safety bars holding <i>me </i>down to the sled, so there wouldn't have been any surprise if I had gone tumbling down the sled and down the mountains (wouldn't that have been <i>fun</i>). It was definitely an adrenaline rush.</div>
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I would do it again in a heartbeat.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hike to Semermiut Glacier</b></span></div>
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Alas, my last full day in Ilulissat came way too fast. On my last day, I decided to take the Blue trail to the Semermiut glacier, as Mads and my hotel receptionist had assured me that the way would be well marked and there are boardwalks to take me there, so I shouldn't have any problem going forward.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aDPQM2Et8Xt4a79eGIYh_GQZyqEpfPVzgRXB2ZxejcAUzIvs3va-edjy38cw7wTainHI6HE4Z58f4gUNw2J6zHmDeAor2Ra1oGbAJ0Ff5GjOBCIxeBwFzvN4lUF1UIvI02iqcYdVd0A/s1600/IMG_8419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aDPQM2Et8Xt4a79eGIYh_GQZyqEpfPVzgRXB2ZxejcAUzIvs3va-edjy38cw7wTainHI6HE4Z58f4gUNw2J6zHmDeAor2Ra1oGbAJ0Ff5GjOBCIxeBwFzvN4lUF1UIvI02iqcYdVd0A/s640/IMG_8419.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armed with a map and trail markers, what could possibly go wrong?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Of course, what they didn't take into account was that it had been snowing heavily for the past three days, so by the time I got to the start of the trail, my heart sank at the realization that the boardwalk and trail was only visible at certain points, and that I would have to take my chance.</span><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tQ6PVWXkbzG3cWWZkZ4G9Ifx0RHtynugKiMk25LXvApmPJaUIrEVSqHXv2ncR6tAJZZF9kUu9rcohZoGa_Z7ccHN3pY_FPO1mtL_hWvsum7kLDY8IzOf6UaNfs7BbEav80TySSv4kwM/s1600/IMG_8427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tQ6PVWXkbzG3cWWZkZ4G9Ifx0RHtynugKiMk25LXvApmPJaUIrEVSqHXv2ncR6tAJZZF9kUu9rcohZoGa_Z7ccHN3pY_FPO1mtL_hWvsum7kLDY8IzOf6UaNfs7BbEav80TySSv4kwM/s640/IMG_8427.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of <i>course</i> something would go wrong. Where did the trail go???</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As luck would have it, there were another two travellers (or locals?) with the same idea as me, but they came well-equipped with snow shoes. I watched them as they put on their snow shoes and made their way through the trail with little to no trouble, staying as close as possible to the trail markers and boardwalk where it is visible.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdTe26tT6eO_EcGhajN6Llw1zw1-rruXkwlbXpw7Qc9vyAOjIY-q8v2KrPiGq_sOg9XPgrJ_e3eAOtKeAOUwq841F_Elo5TLuhr4PICUKqSPmhK2W459Y6A44vN7WoItV3lFoH2moOfc/s1600/IMG_8436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdTe26tT6eO_EcGhajN6Llw1zw1-rruXkwlbXpw7Qc9vyAOjIY-q8v2KrPiGq_sOg9XPgrJ_e3eAOtKeAOUwq841F_Elo5TLuhr4PICUKqSPmhK2W459Y6A44vN7WoItV3lFoH2moOfc/s640/IMG_8436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My saviours putting on their snow shoes - thanks, ladies, you have no idea what you did for me on that day</td></tr>
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As the only way was going forward, I followed in their footsteps.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJUBguNfHHtTWWCuwtTnqUrPtdJKGcrVvTFPObtDEUBHXN4xC6j63BROfAXuM1xxrSvizp50_0-kLzbD64H46BYcyDh_Yqi98qX_vK3jrT3Jz4En6gIfF8UaQ4GwQOGDjFdkcH6Grbic/s1600/IMG_8457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJUBguNfHHtTWWCuwtTnqUrPtdJKGcrVvTFPObtDEUBHXN4xC6j63BROfAXuM1xxrSvizp50_0-kLzbD64H46BYcyDh_Yqi98qX_vK3jrT3Jz4En6gIfF8UaQ4GwQOGDjFdkcH6Grbic/s640/IMG_8457.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could I not follow? Look at that amazing view.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was my last full day, and I couldn't have asked for better conditions, as the sun has finally shown itself and the weather seemed to be clearing the snow and fog. I felt like crying when I saw how beautiful the past three days could've been.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQU6IXb9qeGXeDz67AjgBXCSMwCRUpzHUw2yLyWKSrIlNlvXtotS0ky1SjfBCCcXmyka5Jawn1-H2f35HSHWqGFbVrVQylCmCBOiSKzGtBUK6TMDw-uMpmGKE5jifqjtex7DdRnUOB0I/s1600/IMG_8461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQU6IXb9qeGXeDz67AjgBXCSMwCRUpzHUw2yLyWKSrIlNlvXtotS0ky1SjfBCCcXmyka5Jawn1-H2f35HSHWqGFbVrVQylCmCBOiSKzGtBUK6TMDw-uMpmGKE5jifqjtex7DdRnUOB0I/s640/IMG_8461.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could finally see the glaciers!</td></tr>
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Before long, the two women in front of me had picked up their pace as I was too busy meandering around to take photos, and I lost sight of them once I headed to the top of one of the mountains along the trail. The way was blocked with a lot of snow, and where the snow had melted, it had given way to slippery ice, making it twice as hard for me to find my footing as I was not equipped with snow shoe and only had my crampons on.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQakmX7uSdfOAEfSnpqWVnJ1dbkg2QZpAHYwezWQWzyeL9dP0hAlDNT5tJcDIqaGhdSmeoGiNp6YTpQTM2d37qeNWq3D72jGFkSmZmbUrVgfMyE_2t6tkg6berYNN6FFfN42bh4iMpnk/s1600/IMG_8471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQakmX7uSdfOAEfSnpqWVnJ1dbkg2QZpAHYwezWQWzyeL9dP0hAlDNT5tJcDIqaGhdSmeoGiNp6YTpQTM2d37qeNWq3D72jGFkSmZmbUrVgfMyE_2t6tkg6berYNN6FFfN42bh4iMpnk/s640/IMG_8471.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh, guys... where'd you go 😭</td></tr>
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Having no sight of the ladies in front of me and not knowing where the trail is, I had the disappointing choice of going back the way I came.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aLZRuc3ugy4n7Fa1dlBtg2tMxwcEvgHvCr9esRIf2MZZ0P_4TfCBjXqK7cow9pArJYwfrqzh4Eh3nLPXf_YiGoCZioHq45BxqfMkMdWpkdlP9JMzXhw0AjRcZr7KzevkExW4i6tYY4g/s1600/IMG_8472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aLZRuc3ugy4n7Fa1dlBtg2tMxwcEvgHvCr9esRIf2MZZ0P_4TfCBjXqK7cow9pArJYwfrqzh4Eh3nLPXf_YiGoCZioHq45BxqfMkMdWpkdlP9JMzXhw0AjRcZr7KzevkExW4i6tYY4g/s640/IMG_8472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>C'est la vie</i>. Let's have one more look at those glaciers before I turn back.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLeHEdbfCPLtLg0QZYn1Gw70Y7poNdeobx2ZpyaE9XC6w42mZ_jZCKZWSTgfrDLlevJ5HNtVksx0yA38zn58dcjqxHfGLAMMVurNtanrjw8SAL8AC7GutQ1Z65xLgIhqCieQYQXbdbQU/s1600/IMG_8475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLeHEdbfCPLtLg0QZYn1Gw70Y7poNdeobx2ZpyaE9XC6w42mZ_jZCKZWSTgfrDLlevJ5HNtVksx0yA38zn58dcjqxHfGLAMMVurNtanrjw8SAL8AC7GutQ1Z65xLgIhqCieQYQXbdbQU/s640/IMG_8475.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the massive scale of that iceberg and glacier. That small yellow boat that you could see could fit 100-200pax.</td></tr>
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As it is, though, having seen the glacier in all its grandeur was truly enough for me.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ilulissat City Walk</span></b><br />
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As I was making my way back to town from the hike, the weather continued to behave and I loved that I saw a different sight of Ilulissat as I walked about - honestly don't know how Greenland, Iceland and the Scandinavians coped with little to no sunlight during winter. (A certain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5q77MQzU2Q" target="_blank">video from Iceland's Oskaar</a> came to mind.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSazJDeb7gCdDQV8uEr-44fSQZQup8HS-0tPVLUkOEh82dw0hmFoYhaKy06C4bJmVqpgviPUuEkH3QDqgX2yrXBZSuXRqyyZ6bYC1kwfrCwortBuKc0s2dlS0g0Uep4iIwdTKBKhzNo8/s1600/IMG_8535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSazJDeb7gCdDQV8uEr-44fSQZQup8HS-0tPVLUkOEh82dw0hmFoYhaKy06C4bJmVqpgviPUuEkH3QDqgX2yrXBZSuXRqyyZ6bYC1kwfrCwortBuKc0s2dlS0g0Uep4iIwdTKBKhzNo8/s640/IMG_8535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The walk from the Blue trail towards the town center was pleasant enough, made more so by the perfect weather and a few friendly sled dog puppies who followed me onwards, curious. We were warned not to entertain the dogs and to just ignore them since they shouldn't be trained to be friendly with people as their main purpose was to be trained as sled dogs. It was sort of sad to think about, but I guess for them it's the normal practice as they do need the sled dogs for their own purposes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7WLTfYtVPbaDWEBcV7jaktxz9Xz9ggSz_jyq69ZWeXEOnJVRJc3QVeNfq0FjEgaRB6oMTFMCgrvRxzPMeUl_iueckagbKlpOYSFfIRTU1_sJ_05L_C5v3opMkmeCCne4dKetwenbgTo/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7WLTfYtVPbaDWEBcV7jaktxz9Xz9ggSz_jyq69ZWeXEOnJVRJc3QVeNfq0FjEgaRB6oMTFMCgrvRxzPMeUl_iueckagbKlpOYSFfIRTU1_sJ_05L_C5v3opMkmeCCne4dKetwenbgTo/s640/IMG_8359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I joined the crowd who was waiting around for the city walk tour to start, seeing a few familiar faces - mostly people whom I've seen milling around the town doing some sort of tour activities. The tour itself was interesting, as the guide took us to various notable points around town - such as the fishing harbour, the oldest building still standing, several buildings with historical significance - as she told us about all the little tidbits that makes up Ilulissat. It was an interesting tour, but I did wish there was more in-depth history of the locality, as well as the population who made up the township. I was curious how the Inuits and Greenland Danes are co-existing together, and it seemed like there are some sort of segregation between them, although there were not too many details forthcoming on that - I suppose it's not something that they would prefer to highlight.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA5UhiCrp1TJs8ImJOFOlHK2Mrz2u2Alctk3F-G-Qe9Qapl-jgJN7n3EBE5lcWG2_k8e1s31CxXQuDsrJzj8Im_YE5cZhvZYPqWNkPqAFi7Lqv21arlYgygwbuD8SuwBgL97cC1WesG0/s1600/IMG_8390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA5UhiCrp1TJs8ImJOFOlHK2Mrz2u2Alctk3F-G-Qe9Qapl-jgJN7n3EBE5lcWG2_k8e1s31CxXQuDsrJzj8Im_YE5cZhvZYPqWNkPqAFi7Lqv21arlYgygwbuD8SuwBgL97cC1WesG0/s640/IMG_8390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Overall, if you do want to know some history of Ilulissat, I would recommend you to join this tour, but know that you would only glean the surface. To know more, I suppose I would need to spend more time exploring the town and talk to more of the locals next time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJVVNuy496b686u3idXDVuhSqeD0oFRLS0GMUnW9imwYIlOtlL4cQouu6xSO69no2VdB0-nYnb5FU3J3cmFrCPtH4c2gGA3hO8CM_WF_G0G7sX122gltd2aXFYxgcBMBZI6pNVaf794U/s1600/IMG_8543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJVVNuy496b686u3idXDVuhSqeD0oFRLS0GMUnW9imwYIlOtlL4cQouu6xSO69no2VdB0-nYnb5FU3J3cmFrCPtH4c2gGA3hO8CM_WF_G0G7sX122gltd2aXFYxgcBMBZI6pNVaf794U/s640/IMG_8543.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All in all, I had some really great memories of Greenland, and although I had a lot of troubles due to the inclement weather, the trip turned out to be one of those things that you appreciate more in hindsight. Yes, the weather had sucked, but I was determined to push through with the activities despite that, and was happy that I got to experience even a smidgen of what life is like in Ilulissat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYHAWnpbsNTibD3JDuKpOueSIEcScFfBV2FvLykVqMxM5O-Ke-81mdg8dZH_g4CO0HrUjri1dEXAec4OuZkCwOewzjqeJ0F6JuD0GC5dCvZuLzy5mRCMTVPDTlxUzDdSXaGCY52KC-BY/s1600/IMG_8387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYHAWnpbsNTibD3JDuKpOueSIEcScFfBV2FvLykVqMxM5O-Ke-81mdg8dZH_g4CO0HrUjri1dEXAec4OuZkCwOewzjqeJ0F6JuD0GC5dCvZuLzy5mRCMTVPDTlxUzDdSXaGCY52KC-BY/s640/IMG_8387.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I would love to come again and spend more time in Greenland, preferably in summer because of the long daylight (although I am told by many, many internet people that I should be prepared for the incessant mosquitoes, so that's something to keep in mind).</div>
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Until then, goodbye Greenland - it's been a blast!Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-88735779718593945922020-04-03T13:29:00.001+08:002020-04-04T20:12:13.454+08:00My Solo Sojourn in Greenland - Pt.1 [2018]<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Pt. 1 - Copenhagen & Kangerlussuaq</b></span><br />
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The initial plan was for me to follow a backpacking group to Greenland - namely, to Kangerlussuaq & Ilulissat. Due to many circumstances, the trip was cancelled, but since I had already bought my tickets, I thought: <i>eh, why the heck not</i>.<br />
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Seems like most of my solo adventures started off this way.</div>
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Greenland has been on my radar ever since I saw a pamphlet of it during my visit to Iceland back in 2015, and I made note of it in my mental bucketlist. So when the opportunity presented itself, I immediately jumped at the chance to experience what Greenland has to offer.</div>
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As the journey was made in winter (Jan 2018, to be precise), there wasn't a lot of flight options for Malaysian travelling to Greenland. I decided to book a flight with a transit in Copenhagen and make my way to Greenland (in summer there are a lot more flight choices).</div>
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Since I had been to Copenhagen back in 2017, I opted to make my way to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is located several hours outside of Copenhagen. The weather was gloomy, making me feel like staying indoors appreciating some art was probably warranted when it was so cold out. (Having said that, there are several trails & art installations outside too, which was equally interesting as the exhibits inside.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYeCJP28pjxXpDLiVa7DIRIT-dENqRizUn1vyY8YhlKiOmPw4PXxZF1pAOYnmzk13g4L6PVvyV6npmK6WNYJ2Hb-jYpS9fiUuYK16B0c1xT5gKHA0nL7m-2PY8mtFyXXFDKXBKUOFJv8/s1600/IMG_8112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYeCJP28pjxXpDLiVa7DIRIT-dENqRizUn1vyY8YhlKiOmPw4PXxZF1pAOYnmzk13g4L6PVvyV6npmK6WNYJ2Hb-jYpS9fiUuYK16B0c1xT5gKHA0nL7m-2PY8mtFyXXFDKXBKUOFJv8/s640/IMG_8112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The most infamous permanent art installation at the museum was inarguably Yayoi Kusama's beautiful room of lights, aptly named <i>Gleaming Lights of the Souls, </i>which has been there since 2008. Her fascination with orbs, spheres & its equivalent has been a source of amusement for me and my friends back in 2012, when we first encountered her work at a beautiful ryokan in Osaka - the owners of the ryokan was an art enthusiast and really appreciated Kusama's aesthetics and their ryokan had a lot of Kusama's trademark spheres and circle motives. It's sort of interesting how often her name popped up afterwards, as she continued to collaborate with LV and created more art installation all around the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDv10yyNiL6kTc0zlAALGOImn-22ttIMqXlAYey7Qqkp59xaJep4urTnhHDftv5aCF8j_1dIA0NFYEKMKjXHOYvkt7T0sAPPawun9-oTH-ZS8ogCjWGSVPgb6PTxZcBdm9ZXjDgTD1CM/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDv10yyNiL6kTc0zlAALGOImn-22ttIMqXlAYey7Qqkp59xaJep4urTnhHDftv5aCF8j_1dIA0NFYEKMKjXHOYvkt7T0sAPPawun9-oTH-ZS8ogCjWGSVPgb6PTxZcBdm9ZXjDgTD1CM/w300-h400/IMG_0695.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I spent half a day at the museum before stopping for lunch at a cafe near the train station which would take me back to Copenhagen afterwards. Honestly whenever I'm left to my own devices, I prefer a slower pace and allocate only a handful of experiences or destinations, and the moments in between would be filled with some solitude and reflections at a cafe or back in my accommodation (I would classify myself as 60% extrovert & 40% introvert, and I always crave for some alone time). I think this was what spurred me to continue my journey to Greenland solo, despite the fact that I was nervous to be travelling alone to a country with harsh weather conditions in the middle of winter. </div>
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The next day, my Air Greenland flight took off for Kangerlussuaq before heading to Ilulissat. When you book a flight with Air Greenland, there is an option for a layover in Kangerlussuaq, and this was what I opted for when I made my booking - and off to Kangerlussuaq I go.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kangerlussuaq</b></span><br />
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After an uneventful flight, I arrived in Kangerlussuaq Airport and immediately tried to find my bearings to make my way to my stay for the night. The airport is Greenland's largest commercial airport, and I see a lot of activities and people inside the airport more than I do around town, heh. The population of the Kangerlussuaq settlement is only at approximately 500-600 pax, and I see this play out in real life when I observed how every local interaction makes it seem like everyone knows everyone.</div>
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When I arrived at the airport, there was only one lady manning the information booth, and I made my way to her to ask how I would be able to get to my accommodation for the night. Here's how small & tight the community is: she actually offered to drive me to the accommodation herself, free of charge, for some unfathomable reason, and left her booth unmanned while she drove me there for about 10-15 minutes. (Obviously there was no need for Uber here.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfDc7wduydatF-vRLyw46eDTSCkocyXXnV16Xzyjf_RqryvApLFrMhz5t85w6WBB0nWSz-0D6u5aA1B1GszJjVLaHNeVQxQwNFmfbRO5qQ6roRSHWD2czOzdjZkKDDSbR7tcllhC4BnI/s1600/IMG_8134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfDc7wduydatF-vRLyw46eDTSCkocyXXnV16Xzyjf_RqryvApLFrMhz5t85w6WBB0nWSz-0D6u5aA1B1GszJjVLaHNeVQxQwNFmfbRO5qQ6roRSHWD2czOzdjZkKDDSbR7tcllhC4BnI/s640/IMG_8134.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from outside my window</td></tr>
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I later asked her if this was common, and she answered that it's common for people to fulfill many roles in such a small town - what's more, she's actually not a local Greenlandic and actually hailed from Denmark. I see this pattern of Danish people working in the Greenland tourist industry a lot when I made my way to Ilulissat later - and it dawned on me why when I found out that Greenland is actually an autonomous territory under Denmark, which explained a lot (in fact Greenland only gained almost full autonomy from Denmark back in 2008!). Honestly if you mostly followed the tour groups around Greenland settlements, you'd be hard-pressed to find a local being the tour guide. Not really a complaint, just something I observed and found curious.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrd4ZxLMcgjHbqHe2reUSuZ192lwe9EUDmJsl2QG-WefAQBOLEM3LTHvBCsbDD3A9zq9CBivWlRCu_YJd6XocFAMc_87w55MlLOJx5by4GzlQcsK8QuxA17mIUabCx0a3TA1EOrgcutw/s1600/IMG_8165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrd4ZxLMcgjHbqHe2reUSuZ192lwe9EUDmJsl2QG-WefAQBOLEM3LTHvBCsbDD3A9zq9CBivWlRCu_YJd6XocFAMc_87w55MlLOJx5by4GzlQcsK8QuxA17mIUabCx0a3TA1EOrgcutw/s640/IMG_8165.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tour bus - not your typical bus, but a heavy duty one</td></tr>
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Having little daylight hours in the winter time is no fun for exploring the area, and as my accommodation wasn't anywhere within walking distance of most attractions in town, I opted for a tour bus around Kangerlussuaq, and was lucky that there was one operating at the time I was there. There were other tourists on the bus with me, although it was only 12 pax if I remembered correctly.</div>
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The drive around was interesting, with the bus driver juggling his time driving the bus and being a tour guide as he shared with us some facts on Kangerlussuaq as we passed through notable areas of the settlement.</div>
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The road that was available for travel was only 15km in length (!), and the total length of the road network in Greenland only amounted to 150km! Little wonder that flights, boats (in the summer) & dog sledding (in the winter, although this mode has declined in recent times) remain the more popular travel modes in between cities. Looking at Greenland geographically, it's little wonder that they did manage to build the road in the unforgivable climate that they're presented with - 75% of Greenland's mass is covered in ice sheets and the settlements are sometimes separated by fjords, which makes a road network in between all the settlements almost an impossibility. It's certainly an interesting challenge to the engineers in Greenland.</div>
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(Compare that to Iceland, where you are able to travel to most attractions and places by car and cover the whole area in two weeks or more. Of course, the fact that Greenland is 21 times bigger than Iceland also complicates the whole road network thing, especially when a majority of it is covered in ice.)</div>
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The weather was decidedly not in my favour on that day - you can see the sun peeking out, but the temperature was a cool -27C. Coming from a tropical country with an average temperature of 30C, the cold weather was a massive shock, and by the end of the tour I could barely feel my toes, lol. </div>
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Nevertheless, the tour was enjoyable enough, and I was the only tourist dropped down at Old Camp while the rest of the tourists were dropped by in the city, where accommodation options are aplenty but were a bit more expensive.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6Yh2dHL2gdT1MmvTN8jy8Qm_0PtCHP4c5gzS3xCfbiI35YKRrZ-90JCVdswHYtEmoqRiK-OLflB5bpuJmPZQ3E7FwHvpx3UgXsrQHVycRhg272pLpBwlJNQq5nY2Hu-ZQ9fhWcoHtfY/s1600/IMG_8229.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6Yh2dHL2gdT1MmvTN8jy8Qm_0PtCHP4c5gzS3xCfbiI35YKRrZ-90JCVdswHYtEmoqRiK-OLflB5bpuJmPZQ3E7FwHvpx3UgXsrQHVycRhg272pLpBwlJNQq5nY2Hu-ZQ9fhWcoHtfY/s640/IMG_8229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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And with that, I bid you good night, Kangerlussuaq, even though it's like 6pm in the evening.</td></tr>
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I caved in & jumped into bed for an early night, as the next day I would be making my way to Ilulissat.</div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-59431758448164434712019-11-17T13:30:00.002+08:002019-11-29T19:26:36.724+08:00[JAPAN 2016] Ishikawa Area: Shirakawago & Gokayama, Ganmon, Notojima<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMLw7WwpeNtVM-MuMDm32sqraDaGO-Giv-0EOYbmbWMQX5nO5EkmQ9EfziFhdlobT8JuUzm_E_k3T5it6R9z8TSEu2qharZv2UKCgphAH86FwZ8cnkASx6ISVMi_-A6J2EHO8hQR9k5o/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMLw7WwpeNtVM-MuMDm32sqraDaGO-Giv-0EOYbmbWMQX5nO5EkmQ9EfziFhdlobT8JuUzm_E_k3T5it6R9z8TSEu2qharZv2UKCgphAH86FwZ8cnkASx6ISVMi_-A6J2EHO8hQR9k5o/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Surprise, it's another visit to Japan! Heh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pVuFiM_gj3uLX4EbU2TLRndIMJlBX2pk-qEhsGHIWWZgQLmQmRsh9q7fJjBwLpZ7NSbpTun75fbNFc8DzsWdrpTPy76u92_R_HehYizY3jQl6ixFuP7-Fpf8FYt1TQZJmBAXnfmRJCY/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pVuFiM_gj3uLX4EbU2TLRndIMJlBX2pk-qEhsGHIWWZgQLmQmRsh9q7fJjBwLpZ7NSbpTun75fbNFc8DzsWdrpTPy76u92_R_HehYizY3jQl6ixFuP7-Fpf8FYt1TQZJmBAXnfmRJCY/s640/IMG_1945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On this trip, I would be visiting my brother & his family, who's currently staying in Japan for their studies, and I would be bringing along my parents - basically, I'm an unglorified tour guide, lol.<br />
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As my brother is staying in the Kanazawa area, we decided to focus our travels in the Ishikawa area. Thus, after one day travelling around Osaka, Kyoto & Nara each, we focused our travels at the Ishikawa area which are reachable by car.</div>
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<h4>
Notojima</h4>
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Our primary reason for vising Notojima was for the Notojima Aquarium, which boasts an impressive display of various sea creatures.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view along the way</td></tr>
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It also has the added advantage of being situated right next to the beach, so you get an open view of the coastline at the penguins and seals' outdoor pool.</div>
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Compared to Osaka Aquarium, I would say that Notojima Aquarium heldmore appeal, as it has several outdoor arenas which would be more enjoyable for kids. There are penguin marching shows, shows with seals, otters and the likes.</div>
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The big aquarium also has a beautiful display of various fishes, from big whale sharks to the smallest clownfish.<br />
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Highly recommended if one happens to be around the Noto Peninsula area, plus the drive from Kanazawa to Notojima also has some very nice views. The drive there doesn't take overly long (about 1.5hr one way).<br />
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Public transport option is available via a train to Wakura Onsen, and a 30min bus ride from there to the aquarium.</div>
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<h4>
Shirakawago & Gokayama</h4>
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Another visit worth making around the area is Shirakawago & Gokayama, which is only about 2 hours away from Kanazawa. (This trip is also doable from Tokyo / Osaka, <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2015/04/japan-2014-day-2-shirakawago.html" target="_blank">which was what I did back in 2014</a></span>.)</div>
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Both gassho-zukuri villages are worth visiting, although if you have time for only one, I would personally go for Shirakawago, although fair warning that it is a bit more touristy compared to Gokayama.</div>
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Gokayama has a pretty quiet feel when compared to Shirakawago, and you can spend your time walking along the trails available. As we travelled to this area sometime in Apr / May, the weather was beautiful, with lush greeneries everywhere (the sakura blossom has sadly ended by the time we travelled).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekXaMBUV_BiObD_lsqjASCaz5HJdScG6ya__qLh75feuLKOIYqAHpa6CO3emnFBIfGrznvG8LNHtY_CKgYGK0LB1UWwpYnPPZEDcO-xyBuyyl1o3pKNP2mQ-0YGRSJx1Q0H_s_LgNP3o/s1600/IMG_2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekXaMBUV_BiObD_lsqjASCaz5HJdScG6ya__qLh75feuLKOIYqAHpa6CO3emnFBIfGrznvG8LNHtY_CKgYGK0LB1UWwpYnPPZEDcO-xyBuyyl1o3pKNP2mQ-0YGRSJx1Q0H_s_LgNP3o/s640/IMG_2686.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who can resist a view of the Japanese alps?</td></tr>
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You can spend a few hours walking around Gokayama, looking around the area, or you can take one of the treks which will lead you to this viewpoint. It's not an arduous trek, made more enjoyable when it's a beautiful day out.</div>
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After a few hours of walking around Gokayama, we then drove our way to Shirakawago.<br />
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Shirakawago was as busy as always, but never let that deter you from visiting the area, as there's a reason why so many tourists flock to this attraction. The village has a beautiful, rustic charm to it, and even though it's clearly geared for tourism, they keep the touristic aspects of it to a minimal for the best experience. Sleeping overnight at one of gassho-zukuri remains a popular option, but this time around we only visited for a daytrip.</div>
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For more details on a one-night stay in Shirakawago, you can refer to my <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2015/04/japan-2014-day-2-shirakawago.html" target="_blank">previous post about it here</a></span>.</div>
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<h4>
Ganmon</h4>
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Ganmon is another place near the Noto Peninsula, and the area which we decided to go to houses a beautiful cave near the coastline. The Ganmon Sea Cave (the cave is right next to the coastline) was formed due to long-term erosion - a brief hike down to the coastline will lead you to the cave.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LfXuP2Kx-iR1GznRLPRRL3RTgZ3uBBkQ4j3vvsll4YnN4B7o2eerE-JI2u51Lf-ZcjomTXemI3N6jOPMQtQwJ5n7peFfdwuiA5JE1zVlujjHH4ifiKXOekNc0FnlCsKAaE-F3FvyaIQ/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LfXuP2Kx-iR1GznRLPRRL3RTgZ3uBBkQ4j3vvsll4YnN4B7o2eerE-JI2u51Lf-ZcjomTXemI3N6jOPMQtQwJ5n7peFfdwuiA5JE1zVlujjHH4ifiKXOekNc0FnlCsKAaE-F3FvyaIQ/s640/IMG_2575.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first glimpse of the coastline</td></tr>
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The cave is dark (naturally), so make sure you have your flashlight on when making your way through it. It's not overly long, and the short trek takes you to the breathtaking rocky coastline. There is a boat ride during the period of December to February, so obviously we missed that since we came during May.</div>
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Once you get to the start of the trail marker, you will cross a bridge overlooking the rock cliffs (view pictured above). The bridge will then take you to a trail which will lead you down the coastline.</div>
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The area itself is beautiful, and well worth the visit. There is a bus that will take you there from Kanazawa Station if you opt not to drive, and I would suggest allocating at least a day to spend walking around the area. We were only there for a few hours, but there are several other treks which would take you to several other viewpoints along the coastline.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywVJpSapJ8zFX6mmkYJi1eGrTBt-VXt0Gw4AkKAOr7U9Odaa6tGX9w1UwDYXAFfAs4AAgXvIYoqMRpPFaSx6Rdpt5Fz-P3JCquIrRawRkeOxxfDVbfBs0W3xZCxUlz_IMilelqkzCyTQ/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywVJpSapJ8zFX6mmkYJi1eGrTBt-VXt0Gw4AkKAOr7U9Odaa6tGX9w1UwDYXAFfAs4AAgXvIYoqMRpPFaSx6Rdpt5Fz-P3JCquIrRawRkeOxxfDVbfBs0W3xZCxUlz_IMilelqkzCyTQ/s640/IMG_2587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And with that, I bid you <i>ja mata</i>, Japan</td></tr>
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<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-6236727542458234632019-11-17T13:14:00.000+08:002019-11-29T19:26:18.200+08:00[SOUTH KOREA 2016] Part 2: Seoul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello again, Seoul! After our packed two days in Jeju (see <a href="https://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2019/11/south-korea-2016-part-1-jeju.html">Part 1: Jeju</a>), we made our way to Seoul via JejuAir once again! We would have three to four days to explore Seoul again, and it was the perfect weather to experience Seoul all over again.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">DAY 4: Gyeongbokgung & Ssamziegill</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we landed in Seoul, we made our way to Hongdae to check-in to our Airbnb. I loved our cozy Airbnb, which was 10-15min walk from the subway station - we weren't really in the middle of the Hongdae's night life, but a few minutes walk will show you the way to their night scenes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After checking-in, my sister had one request... she wanted to go to YG Building. LOL.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm a fan of some Korean artists (Casker will remain my favourite artist), but not to the extent of actually going to their buildings in the hopes of a glimpse of these artists lol. Nevertheless, I relented and we made our way to the building, where my sister quickly made friends with several other girls who apparently all had the same idea. Meanwhile, I just sat out in the cold in front of the convenience store nearby, ha.</span></span></div>
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After several hours (oh fine maybe it was only 30minutes), we were dying to have some lunch before we continued our journey for the day. We walked around Ssamziegill Road, which was surprisingly packed considering it was a weekday afternoon; little did we know that the Koreans actually had a national holiday on the one day we decided to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, lol - this did work in our favour later on though.</div>
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The restaurant we stopped at was in a charming alleyway; we basically chose it based on the fact that it was a vegetarian restaurant, the only option we had at the time lol. Sometimes searching for halal food may not give you the greatest option, but the restaurant we stumbled upon had some nice offerings.</div>
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After lunch, we then made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the quintessential tourist attraction. As I'd mentioned, apparently there was a public holiday (it was their Election Day!) so there was quite a crowd. Nevertheless, the Palace grounds was beautiful as always. We had a blast touring around the area, especially the gardens as the cherry blossom was in full bloom.</div>
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There were a lot of young women roaming around in hanbok on the day, so we decided to try and approach a pair of ladies to ask for a photo with them. Glad they had no problem posing - look at how beautiful they were!</div>
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We ended the day with - *drumroll* - shopping! Haha! We decided to just take it easy so had a nice walk around Hongdae at night mostly to window shop (I swear I didn't even buy that much this time around lol) - it was nice to just soak in the atmosphere while we were there.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaIxEUuEF-jOcz1shoEcFyQSV5NMnqDvTeMfgzQT7GRpGEI6WBAq0Urpn51GgUaGN5IrwGs2X9KdE_OrFywHKj6SCOGWs5rkkzfK-8tk0WOaaf7x5lHabAVvjciHX2UCpg0L9mHTih0Q/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaIxEUuEF-jOcz1shoEcFyQSV5NMnqDvTeMfgzQT7GRpGEI6WBAq0Urpn51GgUaGN5IrwGs2X9KdE_OrFywHKj6SCOGWs5rkkzfK-8tk0WOaaf7x5lHabAVvjciHX2UCpg0L9mHTih0Q/s640/IMG_0146.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odaeng is happiness.</td></tr>
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We also had delicious, delicious <i>odaeng </i>again! That Jeju <i>odaeng </i>got us addicted mannnn. What I wouldn't give for an <i>odaeng </i>right now.</div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">DAY 5: Bukchon, Myeongdong, <span style="font-family: inherit;">N Seoul Tower, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Itaewon</span></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a well-rested night, we woke up on Day 5 feeling ready to take on Seoul! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But first, breakfast (lol).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our plan was pretty free-and-easy to be honest. We started off the day by strolling around the Bukchon Hanok Village, hoping the area wouldn't be too crowded so early in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There were several other people milling around, evidently thinking the same thing as we were lol. The area itself was beautiful, but I do wonder how happy the residents there really were with so many people walking around their neighbourhood in hopes of a good photo. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf27aIFwiVgU7qvGZq9Y7HAT2my9fWzMceuQBVhb2BifBOBw8LtIs4qMx183NfUYp35jP5nmD1Yc0YXJqV_OieOulHBXCNZVz5DmrM7F0_Ffr59AayNM7sktx8ABujV1YeaIkm5CAmAo/s1600/IMG_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwf27aIFwiVgU7qvGZq9Y7HAT2my9fWzMceuQBVhb2BifBOBw8LtIs4qMx183NfUYp35jP5nmD1Yc0YXJqV_OieOulHBXCNZVz5DmrM7F0_Ffr59AayNM7sktx8ABujV1YeaIkm5CAmAo/s400/IMG_0257.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvppSNoYCGksNph9bfcEePlTqxsvYzJtKtBwZzw69tOOuCcgSfisfjVhzuVL0Wxtl4bChhVFyvptFi0TyChfIuHpqQjM-L-Kq2QJDGo3svhPb06U2KN8L6U15HfNfMn7lM_j9Ey0cc6Q/s1600/IMG_0124+%252831%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvppSNoYCGksNph9bfcEePlTqxsvYzJtKtBwZzw69tOOuCcgSfisfjVhzuVL0Wxtl4bChhVFyvptFi0TyChfIuHpqQjM-L-Kq2QJDGo3svhPb06U2KN8L6U15HfNfMn7lM_j9Ey0cc6Q/s400/IMG_0124+%252831%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We walked around and took photos for a while around the area, stumbling across Samcheongdong along the way where there was a lookout point. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We then decided to make our way to Myeongdong in search for lunch - luckily we stumbled upon a great local restaurant serving halal Korean cuisine! I swear that was one of the best meals we had while we were in Korea - highly recommended as it was smack in the middle of Myeongdong. I used the Muslim Pro app to find halal food around the area to locate this restaurant, so you'd probably be able to do the same to find the place. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzMT-bR7M_kwcj0kPBwDRvbMBGgfd3rQPkJroEKNlPsF7S-8KK5PGQaI59-OeXJPbKhyrOIb-XYTGvQWqAnFqyk94POgAnNLpLFYvA5DMp2XrYxUsJcBAZnknFv7NDO7yOR3cttPFNjE/s1600/GOPR6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzMT-bR7M_kwcj0kPBwDRvbMBGgfd3rQPkJroEKNlPsF7S-8KK5PGQaI59-OeXJPbKhyrOIb-XYTGvQWqAnFqyk94POgAnNLpLFYvA5DMp2XrYxUsJcBAZnknFv7NDO7yOR3cttPFNjE/s640/GOPR6931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The lady serving us the food was absolutely precious and kept trying to talk to us - seriously, all that Pimsleur audio lessons has its uses while we were there lol.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After lunch, we took the bus to N Seoul Tower to get rid of some of those calories lol. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH1kJ4ahWjkCWiQ7OLOSLaM049F_Xs4rvCZtLotirlLUuSC6fw8qZ5kBbZjuCZfXcnr94uzLzXy4ZbMAn8q-OexLO1DYYJdrSeXsJ1-xANjRSL9Jc48f19qeYHx6L_To3bJ7oQsM3NoU/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH1kJ4ahWjkCWiQ7OLOSLaM049F_Xs4rvCZtLotirlLUuSC6fw8qZ5kBbZjuCZfXcnr94uzLzXy4ZbMAn8q-OexLO1DYYJdrSeXsJ1-xANjRSL9Jc48f19qeYHx6L_To3bJ7oQsM3NoU/s400/IMG_0343.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmgEw_-dohHAKF2LvDD_MUoZ_KcdBTr0VFkq67NE8Vp0R7_FQN9HQUG69JOgjC3F_kq-4JnSwVWijQQtadkJw-9Zg4OVKgnCo1qZbNEMjEWByYrJpKDdMjVtnh0TPJ5n-T_Wr13Bga6U/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmgEw_-dohHAKF2LvDD_MUoZ_KcdBTr0VFkq67NE8Vp0R7_FQN9HQUG69JOgjC3F_kq-4JnSwVWijQQtadkJw-9Zg4OVKgnCo1qZbNEMjEWByYrJpKDdMjVtnh0TPJ5n-T_Wr13Bga6U/s400/IMG_0344.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly burning calories was not our intention, but we inadvertently got that because - funnily enough - we went out of the bus one stop too early and ended up having to walk to the actual N Seoul Tower for almost 2km, which never ceased to amuse me whenever I think back on it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2r4ohComzLyabUkvrIk_4M01pbgi4GmShqoILPTX94L0evEyv2tLzPgmEcPQBJdhYE_yK8Sd_riiYhYwgq6bFRDfuepa3_2y8sVVcAB3_6ongrvF-2tQGdepy-XBHTlThsok1PytCkA/s1600/IMG_0430+%252880%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2r4ohComzLyabUkvrIk_4M01pbgi4GmShqoILPTX94L0evEyv2tLzPgmEcPQBJdhYE_yK8Sd_riiYhYwgq6bFRDfuepa3_2y8sVVcAB3_6ongrvF-2tQGdepy-XBHTlThsok1PytCkA/s400/IMG_0430+%252880%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv35XO-_DOglj9Rd21fCT6zlybdAQTIZYvT2xZjhgch8e6662OhwdNMcf5JzsyTlQ2ru-75ba1ea6TwfA-IIXLKC8T_cPVBANy27DMP5HOojzYkmrVPegmsk0rf6YZEiJfi4tHihE9YQ/s1600/IMG_0595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpv35XO-_DOglj9Rd21fCT6zlybdAQTIZYvT2xZjhgch8e6662OhwdNMcf5JzsyTlQ2ru-75ba1ea6TwfA-IIXLKC8T_cPVBANy27DMP5HOojzYkmrVPegmsk0rf6YZEiJfi4tHihE9YQ/s400/IMG_0595.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Definitely not complaining though, because guess what? We got to walk through a beautiful park leading up to the tower with lines of cherry blossom trees greeting us. The walk along the trees was peaceful and beautiful, as there weren't that many tourists around - I think we were the only tourists walking around alongside the locals who were enjoying the beautiful view.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5sHbiWhyphenhyphenh1_rcapFXj6u28sGHHYR4rxq94QhwoV5iwlKHewNv2wI177hvZY0lf_k60jPGMtI4iuhdePDCOio4t0vgbugh7kwl7LnCG6CUcwEbs2rv1YX7N8OpVJ-aGkfOEcUUIcpF5w/s1600/IMG_0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5sHbiWhyphenhyphenh1_rcapFXj6u28sGHHYR4rxq94QhwoV5iwlKHewNv2wI177hvZY0lf_k60jPGMtI4iuhdePDCOio4t0vgbugh7kwl7LnCG6CUcwEbs2rv1YX7N8OpVJ-aGkfOEcUUIcpF5w/s640/IMG_0606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPMy82G_QsAGrvsrh1xnVR2EYLZuJbh8RlseFp5KJ0CGwvwX05kQHK6-Wy0vjXt5MxmPka-KY41gqBuDQ1MeqinJB3S9C_gRJN9ykluAUZoMhgpdr3tie4G6DiaNlQeujbWAwZ3eFago/s1600/GOPR6952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPMy82G_QsAGrvsrh1xnVR2EYLZuJbh8RlseFp5KJ0CGwvwX05kQHK6-Wy0vjXt5MxmPka-KY41gqBuDQ1MeqinJB3S9C_gRJN9ykluAUZoMhgpdr3tie4G6DiaNlQeujbWAwZ3eFago/s640/GOPR6952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So yeah, I would say the road less travelled </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">has </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">made all the difference on this day.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vTCySx7icGGiZ18wVoFZ2RPuyYCqD39aSJB_VMnWOTkRif2JZsQ6tuz5kaWWqlyT0oK89kwcXM89WDzypZSd6kn-TfC5QtR1knIb5O8FAKxw1FOcvB0f8BYWpnxyjrWM7PiKdQpMezY/s1600/GOPR6960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vTCySx7icGGiZ18wVoFZ2RPuyYCqD39aSJB_VMnWOTkRif2JZsQ6tuz5kaWWqlyT0oK89kwcXM89WDzypZSd6kn-TfC5QtR1knIb5O8FAKxw1FOcvB0f8BYWpnxyjrWM7PiKdQpMezY/s640/GOPR6960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be honest, the N Seoul Tower itself felt a bit anticlimactic after that beautiful walk, lol. However, it was a beautiful day out, and even with the crowd, the place itself is undeniably an attractive area. We went inside for a look around, but we didn't opt to go for a view on top of the tower this time around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From there, we decided to make our way to Itaewon in search of halal food. In recent years, halal food have been made widely available in Seoul, and there's no better place to look for restaurants than in Itaewon. Itaewon has blended their culture with several other countries' signatures, and a walk along the area is enough to see the influence. Aside from the halal restaurants, one of the must-visit for Muslim visitors in Seoul is the Itaewon Masjid.</span></div>
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After praying at the Masjid, we only had to walk for several minutes in search of EID restaurant. This restaurant was made popular via social media, and of course we had to try and see what the fuss was all about. Final verdict? Well worth the journey for the food.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">DAY 6: <span style="font-family: inherit;">Nami I<span style="font-family: inherit;">sland & Ewha University</span></span></b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So a few years back when my other-sister and I went to South Korea, we passed up the chance to go to Nami Island because eh, I wasn't that into Winter Sonata so I didn't really get the hype. I naively thought that Nami Island couldn't possibly offer anything for someone like who doesn't really watch all that much kdramas back then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am happy to report that I was proven wrong, because Day 6 had the most photos (excluding Jejudo because no place can beat Jejudo) out of all our Seoul excursions lol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We decided to take the normal ferry ride to the island - I was interested in the option to zipline there but well, it was way too expensive for our trip budget haha, so maybe next time. We took the earliest train out from Hongdae and took a taxi to the jetty (taxis there are relatively cheap).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nami Island is reachable via a train ride + taxi ride + ferry ride</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">The idea of going to Nami Island itself was initially a throwaway idea when I was drafting up our itinerary in Seoul - there were thoughts of going to Everland and somewhere perhaps a little further out of Seoul - but we finally firmed out our plans the day before and I just thought "eh, why not".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though it was pretty early, there were a substantial number of tourists milling around taking photos. To get any good shots, you'd have to have a lot of patience lol because people would just not stop coming in. This is the only downside of Nami Island to be honest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">There's surprisingly a lot of grounds to cover - I personally loved the walk along the seashore, but we didn't manage to cover the other half of the island which was a shame. There's an option of renting a bicycle, which is actually a nice idea, but with the crowd size on the day we opted not to waste our time trying to navigate through the crowd.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we had our fill of photos, we had lunch at one of the restaurants there and prayed at the prayer room provided. I loved how far the tourism industry has come in catering to Muslim travellers - back in 2012 it would've been unthinkable that there'd be a prayer room. I'm glad there are a lot of halal options for food, too! Seriously there's a plethora of restaurants to choose from (more on that later).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">We made our way back to Seoul by train and decided to stop by Ewha University - I personally only found out about the place through Korean variety shows (hello Running Man & 1N2D pls invite me on your shows), but I'm glad it was made popular because of that.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv6qIb_lveNIoEPwd8WnfFP4nAgKibjtPkFcuprkS8b6WRtjJHixe3tMjuiN_ktIlKAWVPax16Uc38oFDkKWp1xQY7m9vhs8PYxul_xdadk7IvdB3YV70QCHDyagrah76hSOXeYwORWA/s1600/IMG_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv6qIb_lveNIoEPwd8WnfFP4nAgKibjtPkFcuprkS8b6WRtjJHixe3tMjuiN_ktIlKAWVPax16Uc38oFDkKWp1xQY7m9vhs8PYxul_xdadk7IvdB3YV70QCHDyagrah76hSOXeYwORWA/s640/IMG_1062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved, loved, loved their campus ground! It's so beautifully laid out and maintained, and the fact that it's a university (almost) exclusively for women is an added bonus. I wish there's a similar university like this in Malaysia back in my time lol. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We took our time to stroll around the area, and on the way back out we were approached by a few Korean schoolgirls evidently trying to get us to answer some sort of survey or questionnaires. I don't know who was more disappointed, me or them, when I told them we weren't foreign exchange students at the University - girrrlll I wish I go there!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another thing I loved about Ewha University is its proximity to so many shopping area! LOL. Seriously, the streets were lined with boutiques and stores selling apparels, clothes, food, anything else you can think of to attract young ladies. We were lost in the maze of stores before we decided to call it a day and went back to our Airbnb to nurse out feet lol.</span></span><br />
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Tomorrow was going to be our last day in South Korea :(</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">DAY 7: Gwanghwamun, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Dongdaemun, Namdaemunn, <span style="font-family: inherit;">My<span style="font-family: inherit;">eongdong</span></span></span></b></span></h4>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The day started off gloomy as it drizzled in the morning; evidently Seoul was sad that it was going to be our last day too ;)</span><br />
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We made our way to Gwanghwamun because we somehow bypassed it when we went to Gyeongbokgung lol. Took a few obligatory shots of the King Sejong statue, and we saw a booth set up offering a free hanbok experience nearby! Score!</div>
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We obviously weren't going to pass up this (free) cultural opportunity, so we lined up and chose our hanbok while the ladies dressed us up. "This must be what being royalty felt like," I thought as someone dressed me up and tried to make me presentable lol. I mean, there's literally a throne and everything!</div>
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(Well, okay, not exactly a <i>throne </i>throne, but you know, it's quite a pedestal!)</div>
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Since it was drizzling and it was our last day, we also decided to *<i>drumrolllll</i>* shop! LOL. I mean, Korean skincare is basically a must-purchase, so our last day was obviously going to be dedicated to finding all the latest skincare products, so we went to Dongdaemun.<br />
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We took a walk around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, one of the most recognizable landmarks around Dongdaemun area. Loved the futuristic curves of the area, and it would probably look even nicer illuminated at night.<br />
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After that we made our way to Namdaemun, another popular area for tourists who are looking to empty their wallets - bought some souvenirs here as it was one of the cheapest places where we could find everything in one place.</div>
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Funny story, while I was waiting for my sister to buy a <i>hotteok </i>for snack (it was drizzling and cold, a perfect weather combination for a <i>hotteok</i>), I saw another Malaysian lady who was just standing nearby to shelter ourselves from the rain. I struck up a conversation with her, just asking her whether she was with a tour group and making small talk while waiting for my <i>hotteok </i>(man was that queue long or what).</div>
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Turns out, she was actually a lecturer at UiTM, a local university my sister was currently attending lol. What's more, my sister is slotted to take up the lecturer's course next semester! Talk about coincidence, huh? The world is such a small & intimate space that it's often not that surprising when these kind of things happen, but it's still a nice surprise when it does.<br />
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And you know, it pays off to be friendly to fellow Malaysians when you're travelling abroad ;) Always amazing to see how a smile goes a long way.</div>
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And so ends our last day in South Korea... It was a pretty fulfilling trip as we managed to pack a lot into our week, although there are still a lot of things I wished I could've covered but you know, one step at a time and all that jazz heh.</div>
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This definitely won't be my last visit to South Korea; I won't be back <i>that </i>soon, but trust me when I say *<i>Arnold Schwarzenegger voice</i>* "I'll be back".</div>
Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-7894151592295983052019-11-17T11:39:00.001+08:002019-11-29T19:28:57.446+08:00[SOUTH KOREA 2016] Part 1: Jeju<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Honestly, I didn't have any intention to go to South Korea again so soon since I've been there once in 2012. However, at my youngest sister's persuasion, I relented and thought "heck why not" - and so we bought our tickets and packed our bags for another Seoul & Jeju adventure (this time with a different sister!).<br />
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I've noticed that AirAsia tickets have progressively become more expensive - their luggages are becoming more expensive and restrictive in terms of booking. Our tickets ended up being RM950 per pax, whereas we managed to get a ticket at RM700 (inclusive of luggage) a few years back. Obviously I can't complain too much since that's still cheaper than most of the other competitors - but if you do manage to score a Malaysia Airlines flight at like RM1200, you might as well splurge on that.</div>
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We arrived in Seoul sometime in the evening. After topping up my old T-Money card, we hopped onto the AREX train and set off to Hongdae, where we would be leaving our luggage with our Airbnb before making our way to Jejudo on the next day via JejuAir. Fyi, JejuAir actually has a pretty generous free checked baggage allowance (15kg for checkin luggage), but we decided to pack light for the 3D2N stay.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>JEJU DAY 1</b></span></span></h4>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeju Cherry Blossom Street, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gasiri Village Canola Blossom Field, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeju Folk Village Museum, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seongsan Ilchulbong, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seopjikoji Coast, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Weoljeongri Beach, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dongmun Traditional Market & Underground Market</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jejudo is a self-governing island approximately 400+km away from Seoul. You don't need a visa to visit (although there are exceptions for certain countries), and it's a highly recommended side-trip from Seoul if you have enough time and money to spare. I would honestly recommend allocating at least 3 to 5 days to experience what Jejudo has to offer. Preferably 5 days because I can't seem to get enough of Jeju!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I decided to book Mr. Kim's service for our 2 days Jeju tour, since I was really happy with our previous tour guide's service when we were in Jeju back in 2012. Mr. Kim picked us up directly from the airport and stopped by our hostel so that we could drop off our luggage before continuing with the first day of the tour! I swear the Jeju tour guides are the most exemplary tour guides ever - they do everything from driving us around, being our tour guides, taking our photos (unprompted!), even setting up our poses and ensure the landscape is all set up for us, lol. We felt utterly spoiled under Mr. Kim's benevolent guidance :P</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately for us, most of the sakura has already wilted.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Our first stop was to be Seongsan Ilchulbong, and we were happy to just let Mr. Kim do his job. I was curious though if there were some cherry blossoms still in bloom at Jeju, and I asked him so. His answer was in the affirmative and without </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">us requesting for it</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">, he told us he would then take us to one of the Jeju streets which are lined with the cherry blossoms :D What's more is that he </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">directed <span style="font-family: inherit;">our</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> photoshoot on the streets, waiting until there were no cars passing and asking us to pose in the middle of the streets lol. He was prepared to risk his life to take our photos, so major props for that. (Next tour guide better be that prepared tbh, loljk.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After that, Mr. Kim </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">took us along <span style="font-family: inherit;">a street which was lined with ca<span style="font-family: inherit;">nola flowers, even though we never <span style="font-family: inherit;">asked him to do it omg <span style="font-family: inherit;">Mr. Kim why do you spoil us sooooooo. Seriously, the canol<span style="font-family: inherit;">a flowers were beautiful, and our photoshoot there was FOC lol (I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> know there's a spot you can go near Seongsan Ilchulbong where you can pay to enter the garden and have a selfie-party<span style="font-family: inherit;">). Once again Mr. Kim showed his bravery by asking us to pose in the middle of the car-less street<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh, shouldn't we be out of the road Mr. Kim? ...Mr. Kim?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we were done with our faux-photoshoot, we then </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">made our way to Jeju Folk Village <span style="font-family: inherit;">since my sister wanted to go to one. <span style="font-family: inherit;">A nice Korean lady (the <span style="font-family: inherit;">tour guide<span style="font-family: inherit;"> at the area)</span></span> e<span style="font-family: inherit;">xplained to us the history of the folk village <span style="font-family: inherit;">- some of the houses in the "village" are still <span style="font-family: inherit;">being used <span style="font-family: inherit;">by the locals<span style="font-family: inherit;">, and we were told<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that back in the day the Korean women were the heroes of the family. The woman was the one who had to work the most while the men basically laze about sleeping and drinking LOL - probably this <span style="font-family: inherit;">part was embellished but yeah I can see where it's coming from given the whole <i>haen</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>yeo </i>history. <span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all<span style="font-family: inherit;">, Korean women in Jeju<span style="font-family: inherit;">do = heroes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We then finally made our way to Seongsan Ilchulbong afterwards :D Seongsan Ilchulbong </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">was the highl<span style="font-family: inherit;">ight of my trip <span style="font-family: inherit;">to Jeju back in 2012, and I was excited to rev<span style="font-family: inherit;">isit the place. T<span style="font-family: inherit;">he day was pretty gloomy <span style="font-family: inherit;">and super windy unfortunately - both of us were wo<span style="font-family: inherit;">efully underdressed for Korea in <span style="font-family: inherit;">spring apparently lol. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Both of us climbed upwards to the crater<span style="font-family: inherit;"> despite our knees screaming in protest <span style="font-family: inherit;">- I'm proud of my <span style="font-family: inherit;">youngest sister who's know<span style="font-family: inherit;">n to have some s<span style="font-family: inherit;">tamina problems due to <span style="font-family: inherit;">her asth<span style="font-family: inherit;">ma (both of us have asth<span style="font-family: inherit;">ma actually, so <span style="font-family: inherit;">hats of<span style="font-family: inherit;">f to us lulz). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The view from on top of <span style="font-family: inherit;">Seongsan Ilchulbong was no less astounding e<span style="font-family: inherit;">ven with the <span style="font-family: inherit;">cloudy weather - definitely wor<span style="font-family: inherit;">th another t<span style="font-family: inherit;">rip. I'll let the pictures do the talking.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having had our fun </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">at Seongsan Ilchulbong, it was time for our lunch! While we didn't have lunch at the restaurant my other sister and I went to last time we were in Jeju, we did have lunch at another restaurant around that same area. As expected, lunch was delicious! How I've missed Korean food (I'm salivating just writing about it right now, arggghhhh). We definitely ate too much, because there were so many food on the table for just the two of us; although I honestly I wasn't complaining while I was eating most of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">After eating everything in sight, we made our way to Seopjikoji Coast</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently this site is popular <span style="font-family: inherit;">due to the fact <span style="font-family: inherit;">that it was featured in <span style="font-family: inherit;">a drama<span style="font-family: inherit;">. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we were there, there were <span style="font-family: inherit;">hordes of schoolgirls<span style="font-family: inherit;"> for some rea<span style="font-family: inherit;">son (seriously I think there were a<span style="font-family: inherit;">t least 7 school busses parked there<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn_LEyqhOrJab9I4djiZAKb8ZwKAWPyONLDRS7QgfUiMcswR9ijYHgWMjA6dWB4MG6AmqSO0du8ZBHkwpuVuzGmgpSeuHzS7Nj9zrJVv9BsRZ3b2VTPyT5_0noJDAQX4MvR3k07v_PFY/s1600/SAM_6019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn_LEyqhOrJab9I4djiZAKb8ZwKAWPyONLDRS7QgfUiMcswR9ijYHgWMjA6dWB4MG6AmqSO0du8ZBHkwpuVuzGmgpSeuHzS7Nj9zrJVv9BsRZ3b2VTPyT5_0noJDAQX4MvR3k07v_PFY/s640/SAM_6019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, it was super windy while we </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">were there, and <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was only armed with a thermal and a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">dresshirt </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>haha<span style="font-family: inherit;">. I had it better than my sister, who basically didn't have any thermal layer at all, heh. I really underestimated the weather there, is all I can say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Se<span style="font-family: inherit;">opjikoji Coast was also where we h<span style="font-family: inherit;">ad ou<span style="font-family: inherit;">r weirdest "Muslim moments"<span style="font-family: inherit;"> haha. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instance: While posing for a picture in front of Seopjikoji, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">a Korean lady <span style="font-family: inherit;">ran over to us <span style="font-family: inherit;">while covering her head with her scarf, screaming "eonniiiii" <span style="font-family: inherit;">- needless to say, after that we had to take a picture with her for po<span style="font-family: inherit;">sterity lol. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Se</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">cond Instance: A shy woman requested for a picture with us - hard to know where she was from since we couldn't hear what language she spoke, but she was most likely Asian. We smilingly acquiesced and took a picture with her. Sometimes I wonder what happens to all these pictures that we take with other unknown people... because I recalled back in 2012, a group of Korean schoolgirls also asked to take pictures with us, and I put up their photo on this very blog for posterity lol. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRaXHa85nOmPmWwDCprPFE1lPnTqAQ2u7lwCED7_uKcizJQLFxcjdDIN-FRyfKODlr8J4258dopb8aEMkGJWy6Wfapp_A363izWr-jJ4F-oQ4wrsTNkZtI-Nw-babaK4KMQKkpwZhnfU/s1600/IMG_8109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRaXHa85nOmPmWwDCprPFE1lPnTqAQ2u7lwCED7_uKcizJQLFxcjdDIN-FRyfKODlr8J4258dopb8aEMkGJWy6Wfapp_A363izWr-jJ4F-oQ4wrsTNkZtI-Nw-babaK4KMQKkpwZhnfU/s640/IMG_8109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Third Instance: We noticed that a Korean woman and her husband were looking at us while they were discussing something amongst themselves. My sister noticed that the woman was trying to style her scarf in the same way as ours - my sister then approached them for some hands-on help. They were both seriously so cute; the husband was just looking on, smiling indulgently as my sister was helping his wife to style her scarf into something resembling our hijab style. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess there weren't a lot of Muslim travellers while we were there, which made the locals think we're some sort of exotic humans. It's one of the more surreal moments to think that we were so different and people would be </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">that </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">curious of us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Our next stop was the Weoljeongri beach. Since it was still springtime, there weren't a lot of people sunbathing around, but there were locals doing some water sports as well as people just enjoying the scenery while strolling around the beach (locals and tourists alike). Beachside cafes lined the street along Weoljeongri beach, most of them with quirky fun names and lovely bright shades for their buildings. Mr. Kim told us that this beach is very popular with the "youngsters" haha, and yes you will see these youngsters just strolling around the area, having a cup of Americano (the quintessential coffee for Koreans for some reason I can't fathom) or juice, or taking pictures with friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We basically just had another photoshoot at this beach aside from enjoying the local scenery - I kinda wish we'd stopped by one of the vibrant cafes at the beach because they look so cute!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Our last stop for the day was Dongmun Traditional Market and the Underground Market! I mean, really Mr. Kim what are you implying by taking us to these shopping places for our last stop? Just because we're women doesn't mean--- oh my God, a cute jacket! (I kid I kid, but we really did need the jacket since it was so darn cold lol.)</div>
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Walking through Dongmun Traditional Market was really interesting - we went through the wet market section first before making our way to another section of the market where local foods are packaged and marketed for souvenirs. I personally liked the Jeju chocolates, so I made it a point to buy them for souvenirs this time around as well.</div>
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The Underground Market is within walking distance from the traditional market and is basically self-explanatory. The "market" is technically a shopping mall lined with shops which sells apparels, bags, shoes and cosmetics - except for the fact that it's underground lol. The price is pretty standard; personally it wasn't that cheap but my sister did end up buying a jacket here which was okay cost-wise. Even though we didn't set out to shop here, we ended up spending almost an hour here lol.</div>
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When we were finally done with our shopping, Mr. Kim took us back to our hostel for a well-deserved rest! I mean, we got up at at 3am to catch our flight and then immediately went on the tour once the flight touched down lol, so it was definitely a well-deserved rest. Also, all I can say is: thank God for automatic heating pads in bed!<br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">JEJU DAY 2</span></b></h4>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyeopjae Beach, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Osulloc Tea Museum, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeongmeori Coast, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeju Olle Route No. 7, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jusangjeolli Cliff, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeongbang Waterfall, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Orange Museum, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mysterious Road, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nanta Pizza</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We woke up early to have breakfast at our hostel before we head off to day two of our Jeju tour. We stayed at Lyndon Guesthouse (which used to be called YEHA guesthouse). We booked a room with bunkbed and it was as cheap as it comes - I really liked our room as we had the comfort of our own private bathroom and the bed was comfortable enough. They even had a TV inside the room (of course, the channels were all Korean lol). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breakfast was a quiet affair - apart from us there was only another group of Malaysians and an Argentinian man. The free breakfast spread was more than enough for us - all you can eat bread / toast (with cheese & jam), eggs which you can cook yourself, </span>free-flow coffee (my favourite!) and other drinks such as tea, juice and milk.</span><br />
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Mr. Kim picked us up at the hostel once we were done with breakfast and we started off the tour with a visit to Hyeopjae Beach. Even though it was around 10am in the morning, the beach has basically been taken over by tourists (including us). There was even a wedding photoshoot taking place while we were there.</div>
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It's evident why people flock to Hyeopjae beach, even if it's not the best time to go swimming. The white sandy beach itself was beautiful, and the different hues of blue, blue sea was a beautiful sight. As Jeju is a volcanic island, you will find several rock formations scattered around the area, and we had fun taking photos at some columnar rock area. Definitely a great way to spend your morning.</div>
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Unlike Weoljeongri beach, the surrounding area of the beach is not dotted with cafes - I only saw a few stalls selling beachwear and such, and probably a cafe or two around the area. As we were there early, there were only a few stalls opened at the time.</div>
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Mr. Kim then took us to Osulloc Tea Museum - the museum itself is not overly large, but they do have the tea plantation across the street where you could pose with the tree shrubs lol. I had no idea these shrubs were here since I didn't remember them being there back in 2012. After we posed for a few pictures, we then made our way to the <i>innisfree </i>store nearby the museum. I swear I had no idea of this store either until Mr. Kim showed it to us - maybe it was recently opened? For those who are planning to do their cosmetics shopping in Seoul, it's much more worth it to buy it in Seoul instead of Jeju - more discounts, plus you don't have to worry about luggage space and all.<br />
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We finally made our way to the Osulloc Tea Museum building itself. We went directly to the restaurant area and placed our order - as usual, my go-to menu when at Osulloc is the green tea latte and the green tea roll. The cafe itself has a very nice laidback atmosphere and a beautiful setting, so my sister and I just hung out here for a while.<br />
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Once we've had our fill of the delicious green tea goodies, we then made our way to Yeongmeori Coast. Mr. Kim had warned us that the place might be closed as he had called ahead to check with the ticketing place. So when we arrived at the place, we were not surprised (but still disheartened) to see that the coast was indeed closed off due to the weather. Mr. Kim took a few pictures of us at the area in consolation - I was really sad we couldn't go in as this was one of the places I really wanted to go into. <i>C'est la vie.</i></div>
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To make it up to us, Mr. Kim told us he would be bringing us to one of the Jeju Olle Route instead!<i> </i>Really Mr. Kim you shouldn't have!<br />
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As hiking the Jeju Olle Route is in my Travel Bucket List (<i>someday</i>), this was definitely a welcomed diversion. So we happily acquiesced as Mr. Kim took us to Jeju Olle Route No. 7. For those who are not sure what the olle route is, the Jeju Olle Route is basically a series of hiking trails amounting to 200km-length, which are all connected and will take you along the south coast of Jejudo. There are a number of hiking trails you can choose to take, and they're usually marked to let you know you're heading in the right direction. Hiking the whole of the Olle Route would take you possibly a few weeks or more (I mean, it's 200km worth of walking!), which is why this will always be on my bucket list until I can afford to take a year off to cover all of my travel wishlist :P But truly, one day I will really take perhaps two weeks off and I'd love to just discover what the olle route has to offer.</div>
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The weather was slightly gloomy as we made our way through route no. 7, but we walked on along with several other trekkers. No matter where you hike in South Korea, you will always find comfort in the fact that there'll always be <i>ahjummas </i>and <i>ahjussis </i>who are way faster than you at trekking even though you're half their age, heh. We would just smile at them along the way and they would reciprocate, sometimes trying to talk to us. The conversation would amount to something like "oh where are you from?" and we would answer "Malaysia" and they would just say "oohhh Malaysia" like they know where it is - some of the Koreans we met along the way have been to Malaysia so that made me :'D a little.</div>
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I noticed that when we encounter these <i>ahjussis </i>and <i>ahjummas</i> they would initially stare at us (which made me uneasy) but whenever we smile at them first, they would immediately smile back and even try to start conversation with us even though our Korean is super basic so you get the Pimsleur Starter Pack Convo scenario going on. A little smile goes a long way, is all I'm saying. (This was true in Jeju, but not tried & tested in Seoul. Reason #1 why I love Jeju a bit more than Seoul.)</div>
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We really enjoyed the trek, and little wonder why the Koreans love to hike - to them it's almost cultural. Hiking trails are clearly marked out, pedesterian walkways are available in certain sections of the hikes, and the spring and autumn season makes the hike almost transcendental. They make hiking so accessible to the masses that it's become a favourite pasttime.</div>
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The hike didn't take too long; I think we only hiked for around 1 hour as we only hiked part of the route before we made it to the meeting point we agreed on with Mr. Kim (the route we took would take around 4-5 hours to complete according to Visit Korea's page). From there, he would take us to Jusangjeolli Cliff, which I also went to back in 2012 and loved. There was, of course, a crowd of people, but it's easy to ignore the throngs of people for a view of this beautiful place. The columnar formations of the cliff reminds me somewhat of Iceland's Reynisfjara beach - since both of the formation are of volcanic rock, this is of course unsurprising.<br />
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From Jusangjeolli Cliff, our next stop was the Jeongbang Waterfall! I really wanted to visit this waterfall as it's unique in the sense that the waterfall channel flows right into the sea. Due to this, you get the beautiful waterfall as the background and the sea as the foreground of the scene. The trek down to this waterfall was relatively easy, although the rocky surface at the surrounding area itself was pretty tricky as it's slippery so you'd have to be careful where you step on. The rocks make for a pretty shoot though!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our weird detour to the Orange Museum, lmao</td></tr>
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Mr. Kim then took us to the.... Orange Museum :D;;; Don't ask me why, lol, I suppose since we didn't really specify a lot of things that we wanted to do on this day and we still had some time left, he thought it'd be interesting to go to a museum regarding oranges. I mean, it's cool that they have a dedicated museum with oranges (complete with a greenhouse attached to the building housing - what else - oranges), but it's not exactly high on my list of things to do in Jeju that's for sure lol.</div>
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For what it's worth, it was interesting reading about all the different types of oranges - although to be honest my sister and I sped our way through the exhibits haha.</div>
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Funny thing, we saw Mr. Kim playing with the interactive games at the museum while he was waiting for us; and with such vigour too! At least one of us enjoyed the museum, I guess.</div>
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Our last stop for the day was the Mysterious Road. If your car is in neutral gear or even if your car engine is turned off, it will mysteriously move uphill while you're travelling on this road. To prove the point further, Mr. Kim even poured some water from a bottle (which he had prepared beforehand) and pointed out that the water is travelling upwards.</div>
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The reason for this interesting phenomenon is our brain playing mind tricks with us, as the seemingly uphill slope we were sitting on is actually a downhill slope. Due to its higher surroundings, an optical illusion is created in which the slope appears to be uphill. Even knowing that it's an optical illusion, it's still hard to wrap your mind around it as your eyes are looking at it as an uphill slope even if your mind is telling you it's actually going downhill.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcNU_RDvSCUaCOUlRbBnNfLY3lhUo9ry98LARN_mhP1f_eCUdS3c7w22Ad7v4iGBcsvfgrdQ-qa91oeeg76gNJOw48nsnTMZ4IFqWk92JU2mP6kFuVkm5LTmUPywi-H_DWclGlDSo7KI/s1600/IMG_9868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcNU_RDvSCUaCOUlRbBnNfLY3lhUo9ry98LARN_mhP1f_eCUdS3c7w22Ad7v4iGBcsvfgrdQ-qa91oeeg76gNJOw48nsnTMZ4IFqWk92JU2mP6kFuVkm5LTmUPywi-H_DWclGlDSo7KI/s640/IMG_9868.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
And with that, we had to bid adieu to Mr. Kim :'( But before that, he took us to Nanta Pizza since we didn't exactly have a heavy lunch that day (only the odaeng which filled our stomach plenty). We were pretty apprehensive with the size of the pizza, but we finished it so fast between the two of us lol.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyypkhhS0WHZViPgCtZEp24PIkXARY4reSs5L13yI1_OqXMF9ZbGkSUTmjt6R0mbhCYOseVGWFEMXn33b7-qI9KMUhLoMx5XMDVUeIZnqJDXnSJ-b-MYIPIjR4uUNI6rMPGjpptyD_23w/s1600/IMG_9880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyypkhhS0WHZViPgCtZEp24PIkXARY4reSs5L13yI1_OqXMF9ZbGkSUTmjt6R0mbhCYOseVGWFEMXn33b7-qI9KMUhLoMx5XMDVUeIZnqJDXnSJ-b-MYIPIjR4uUNI6rMPGjpptyD_23w/s640/IMG_9880.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye & thank you for the great time, Mr. Kim!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We would be leaving for Seoul on the next day. Till then, until I see you again, Jeju!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2019/11/south-korea-2016-part-2-seoul.html" target="">Go to [SOUTH KOREA 2016] Part 2: Seoul</a></span></div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-63483565175925939912018-04-29T17:29:00.000+08:002020-02-03T10:53:33.156+08:00[Tips] How to Plan Your Trip to Japan for Muslim Travellers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL1eKMjfsGmFtd5BmoYf1wQGBRVgxlJx2FeoSeFSwJV95OlErN90ucoHP9kU9lWP6Sw4DwmEP8lrhXzkFq68lHHNb6SZjPd0YhnuyffaZ_-iDaFb1zGKRu6-IIYsoZgj1FSly_WSH6rg/s1600/SAM_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfL1eKMjfsGmFtd5BmoYf1wQGBRVgxlJx2FeoSeFSwJV95OlErN90ucoHP9kU9lWP6Sw4DwmEP8lrhXzkFq68lHHNb6SZjPd0YhnuyffaZ_-iDaFb1zGKRu6-IIYsoZgj1FSly_WSH6rg/s640/SAM_1304.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I've gotten a number of questions on how I usually plan my trips, especially to Japan, as I've been there for a number of times (6 times... and counting, lol).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Instead of sharing my itineraries, I think it's best for me to explain how I do it instead so you can plan the Japan trip of your dreams that suits your liking. Everyone has their own travel comfort level & other preferences to take into account when they plan to travel, so hopefully these tips can help you a bit!</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tips to Plan Your Trip to Japan for Muslim Travellers:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step1">Set a date</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step2">Preferred activities / Destinations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step3">Plan route & transportation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step4">Prepare a budget</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step5">Decide on accommodation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step6">Save up</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Extra">Other Extras: Halal food & prayer space, Pocket wifi & simcard, Travel insurance</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Tips">Tips & Resources (Resources I use to plan my trip)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#ebook">Travel Tips to Japan - in eBook form</a></li>
<li><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Consultation">Personalized Content / Consultation</a></li>
</ul>
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step1">1. Set a date</a></span></b></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First thing I do before I plan a trip to anywhere - set a date. The dates can be flexible or concrete - for me, I prefer to set a range of date and look for flight deals around that time, so that I can adjust my itinerary if my preferred flight date is not on sale. </span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recommend a minimum of 5 days stay in Japan to really experience what Japan has to offer. Any shorther than that, then you might be missing out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I personally like to book my tickets as soon as I have a confirmed date, but I know some people like to have flexibility until they finalize their itinerary - if this is you, skip the ticket purchase and go straight to the </span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=892018433761116549#Step2" style="font-family: inherit;">next step</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For flights, I recommend purchasing directly from the Airline's websites or you can use a flight aggregate like </span><a href="https://www.skyscanner.com.my/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Skyscanner</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> or </span><a href="http://www.google.com/flights" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Google Flights</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to keep track on the latest flight deals. With sites like Skyscanner & Google Flights, you can set up an alert for your preferred dates, and the websites will let you know when there's a drop or rise in the ticket price. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you plan to buy from any of the online travel agency (OTA) from Skyscanner (e.g. Expedia, GotoGate, Trip.com), please be aware that your tickets might not be that flexible compared to if you were to buy it direct from the airlines. This basically means that if you need to reschedule your flight or cancel it entirely for whatever reason, you may not be able to do so that easily with OTA agents. There may be penalties or cancellation fees you would have to pay, so do so at your own risk.</span></span></div>
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step2">2. List your preferred activities / destinations</a></span></b></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You've finalized your dates, so now you can start listing the list of places to go to. Japan is so huge, so it's usually best to focus on one region or even prefecture at time.</span></div>
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</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xRJaKdV27MDj3B7MU9Oqn0l9YvQ8c67tgF2LR3Z8bGehhhNg31rbj8LH3Lz9_eqIUzDTEozYhgYemmyN7aBj3UrrJz8tTY1mduNW5HPjXECSZAoKqG1ROz9Nd6vgtm9rsIROzpd8_1g/s1600/Japan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1049" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xRJaKdV27MDj3B7MU9Oqn0l9YvQ8c67tgF2LR3Z8bGehhhNg31rbj8LH3Lz9_eqIUzDTEozYhgYemmyN7aBj3UrrJz8tTY1mduNW5HPjXECSZAoKqG1ROz9Nd6vgtm9rsIROzpd8_1g/s640/Japan.png" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seriously. It's huge.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would suggest allocating a week in Kansai / Tokyo for first-timers who don't know where to start.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like to use </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">japan-guide</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to look at interesting places found in each region and start from there. You'd have to be pretty realistic about the list of places you want to visit, because a lot of Japan's interesting places takes time to get to. If you don't plan your route right, you might end up commuting a lot & wasting time on transportation instead.</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's what an example of my itinerary for when I visit anywhere:</span></span></div>
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</span>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFH_3km_a8xBKh7SIKIPo0S9OzQ9B4WgOCOFAqZJKsLzlOKJjdX8DxqsV_iwaIAZZACdwzHRfiyPod1L-24gZD5pRPEM0CXn9NHQEYRbjg-pni6BoNvhDjzBLcZxo0OXQGJaLpb-OpnY/s1600/Screenshot+2018-03-30+08.01.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1174" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFH_3km_a8xBKh7SIKIPo0S9OzQ9B4WgOCOFAqZJKsLzlOKJjdX8DxqsV_iwaIAZZACdwzHRfiyPod1L-24gZD5pRPEM0CXn9NHQEYRbjg-pni6BoNvhDjzBLcZxo0OXQGJaLpb-OpnY/s640/Screenshot+2018-03-30+08.01.52.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of my itinerary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your list of activities also depends on who you travel with. For example, if you're travelling with your friends, you may want to fit in as much as possible because you're able to go out early in the morning and come back in the evening. For families with kids or elders, it's best to keep your activities / places to visit to a minimum - the most I would suggest is to visit 3 places in a day.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason for that is that you would need to utilize a lot of Japan's public transportation system, be it the train, city bus, taxis or trams. All of these options would take time & energy, especially when you take luggages into account.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Another important note:</b> check the <b>opening hours / season</b> for these attractions. Some of the attractions are seasonal, while some may close on Sundays / Mondays; so do check all these to make sure they fall on the right days in your itinerary. Otherwise you're setting yourself up for disappointment.</span></span></div>
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</div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step3">3. Plan your route & transportation</a></span></b></h4>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gD585xTeo-K7gwQ3BJBbHfFQMZhlKoCpTSFZ6YuzG3sEHvMH3Iu0VntQBAjmLJfvZc9S21SYAWTPj21DCCQ5YZDlbL8JQ4atYAlua0B1OFGwE3ezwdH7SUXSGL7zV42-fn6RDPM-sWk/s1600/SAM_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gD585xTeo-K7gwQ3BJBbHfFQMZhlKoCpTSFZ6YuzG3sEHvMH3Iu0VntQBAjmLJfvZc9S21SYAWTPj21DCCQ5YZDlbL8JQ4atYAlua0B1OFGwE3ezwdH7SUXSGL7zV42-fn6RDPM-sWk/s320/SAM_1994.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKceRC1dNmGuMDQcaHA8HKPGL4ka32UuX28vzV0jcMyc0HjLqERVRYDxaxbS5tOhiO_8HYFNQSDYpoaNfJ_RkeBqqWY44Wys0pINqoFHtTPdasvhTQnikqFPolJrdFVxvdwZ26JmmhU0/s1600/SAM_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKceRC1dNmGuMDQcaHA8HKPGL4ka32UuX28vzV0jcMyc0HjLqERVRYDxaxbS5tOhiO_8HYFNQSDYpoaNfJ_RkeBqqWY44Wys0pINqoFHtTPdasvhTQnikqFPolJrdFVxvdwZ26JmmhU0/s320/SAM_1856.JPG" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN2K3cvavdyEfN-2cM0-vlNs2hGXDNJkIYRay74OO1Qvza6az2E9mLjjvLgaL6YxwJIugALr84dPK3ogmBicQeN-QKgdwCZROEsfnAFMspp_Tsn6L8EBXcPeKWFf-noQYh6gliVeh7lY/s1600/SAM_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN2K3cvavdyEfN-2cM0-vlNs2hGXDNJkIYRay74OO1Qvza6az2E9mLjjvLgaL6YxwJIugALr84dPK3ogmBicQeN-QKgdwCZROEsfnAFMspp_Tsn6L8EBXcPeKWFf-noQYh6gliVeh7lY/s320/SAM_4099.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdf4Rv3VKm-gPnTCNG3iac32U0hFaYbVFL9A8xjSQlY4769PhRBkDr_oJBLYPy3qeaxyL738cop9C_n7a75YvzVzl2YNWVQNsHYAlR7ue8TC2PLvS7JNB5QckcRHQWiBIlSBc9MCeaOc/s1600/SAM_4081.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdf4Rv3VKm-gPnTCNG3iac32U0hFaYbVFL9A8xjSQlY4769PhRBkDr_oJBLYPy3qeaxyL738cop9C_n7a75YvzVzl2YNWVQNsHYAlR7ue8TC2PLvS7JNB5QckcRHQWiBIlSBc9MCeaOc/s320/SAM_4081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your route & transportation would be one of the most tedious things you need to research. Japan thankfully has one of the best transportation system in the world, so most of the attractions you want to go to would have several transportation options to choose from. My favourite mode of transportation when in Japan:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Train - The fastest & most efficient. Recommended for short distance journeys. Longer distance journey might cost you more money (especially if you're taking the <i>shinkansen</i>)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bus - Subject to traffic conditions. Recommended for longer journeys if you want to save $$$</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Taxis - I recommend taxis for short distance journeys when you have too many luggages to go to your hotel / airbnb. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Plane - The most expensive option, but it's an alternative choice if you want to save time travelling in between Japan's regions.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of the time, you'll be able to buy passes for the public transportation, depending on the area you're visiting. If you're planning to get these passes, make sure you utilize it to its full use. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I tend to just use <a href="https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/" target="_blank">Icoca</a> / <a href="http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html" target="_blank">Suica</a> / <a href="https://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/" target="_blank">Pasmo</a> cards when going around Osaka, Tokyo and the other cities - </span>they work like normal prepaid passes where you have to topup cash for credit<span style="font-family: inherit;">. You can buy these at any of the train ticketing booths in Japan. The difference between the cards is that Icoca is purchased & mainly used in Osaka while Suica / Pasmo is for Tokyo region. Thankfully JR Japan has integrated their system and all three cards can be used interchangeably in most parts of Japan. They can be used for trains, subways and buses - most vending machines and <i>konbini </i>even accept them.</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">JR Pass is useful for when you plan to hit a lot of cities with Japan (as long as you use the <i>shinkansen</i> at least twice, you'd more or less cover the cost of the JR Pass - just be aware that you can only go on JR-operated trains & bus). (Buy your JR Pass here: <a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/en-MY/activity/1420-7-day-whole-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797" >JR Whole Japan Rail 7-Day Pass</a><img src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" width="1" height="1" style="border:0 !important; width:1px !important; height:1px !important;" border="0" />)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Japan-guide has <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e627.html" target="_blank">a great guide</a> on all the available transportation and passes in Japan.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The resources I usually use to plan my route & transportation:</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.hyperdia.com/en/" target="_blank">Hyperdia</a> - Hyperdia is <i>great </i>for planning your train routes. It has the exact timing and fare for which trains will get you where so I use this all the time.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.kousokubus.net/JpnBus/en" target="_blank">Kousoku Bus</a> - For longer distance journeys, I prefer to take the bus. For example, if I want to go to Kanazawa, I can take the train but it would be comparatively expensive compared to the highway bus. (This is especially true when you travel with a large group.) You also have a choice of night bus, which is supposedly more comfortable than most (I have yet to try night bus, so no comment on that). The bus will usually stop at a few rest areas, depending on how long your journey is, and that's always another interesting journey in itself. One time we even stopped at a beach R&R, so that was great. Other options: <a href="https://japanbusonline.com/en" target="_blank">Japan Bus Online</a>, <a href="http://willerexpress.com/en/" target="_blank">Willer Bus</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/" target="_blank">Japan-Guide</a> - I usually use Japan-Guide to scope out the places I want to visit, and they will always list down an option of how to get there. Safe to say the site has almost everything you need to know about how to travel within Japan.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need to take domestic flights, <a href="http://flypeach.com/" target="_blank">Peach Airlines</a> is usually the go-to as you can get some cheap fares if you book early or when they have some deals / promotions. On a personal note: I have yet to fly domestically between Japan as I prefer land travel for now.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step4">4. Prepare a budget</a></span></b></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now you have a rough draft for your itinerary. The next item on the checklist is the most important one to me: budget (lol). I typically breakdown my budget into these categories:</span></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Activities / attractions </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Food</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Transportation</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accommodation</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shopping / souvenirs / entertainment</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since you now have a list of places to go to, you can now look at the price for each of those activities. If you're planning to visit the museums, temples, aquariums, zoos, amusement parks etc., do budget for those. Check the price on their respective websites to make sure you have the latest price.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Budgeting for food is also important - I typically spend 1000-2000yen for a generous meal (rice with main dish & sides) every time I eat out. But of course there are also cheaper options like sushi or ramen. I like to play it on the safe side and just budget 2000yen/pax for each meal. Here's a typical example of my meals when in Japan:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Breakfast: onigiri / bread & coffee (~200-500yen)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lunch: Eat out at restaurants, e.g. rice bowls, sushi, ramen etc. (~1000-2000yen)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dinner: Cook instant meal / buy simple dishes at the convenience stores (~500yen)</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prices may vary depending on what & where you eat and how often you eat out.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Transportation budget is also important - if you use Hyperdia to plan your route, then you would have a rough idea of how much your transportation would cost you. I typically like to have some extra cash put aside for transportation in case I decide to deviate from the plan - you're allowed to be flexible with your own itinerary after all.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accommodation would put the biggest dent in your wallet! Space is prime in Japan, especially if you're visiting the big cities where all the tourists (including me and you) will flock to. There's basically no way around it (unless you want to Couchsurf, which is not something I'm going to write about in here), so you just have to delve right into it. (See point no. 5 below for more on accommodation.)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would also personally also set aside some cash for souvenirs, shopping & entertainment. Yes, a lot of shops now accept credit cards, but if you're planning to buy souvenirs like traditional Japanese crafts or sweets or the likes, most would still prefer cash. Cards are accepted at most malls. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step5">5. Decide on accommodation</a></b></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXklXIfhRpYkuxF7lcYtQ8y668SJatW5OLQbevus2oTgerWb11sirb_7-FTy6Yo4oX0FHwx_GUP6tD0-t9b5Z6WqPo4u_f0aZRwKmMQSGrkfr5HZCHl1wka2qoxTj6iWiiPsAVyPfZT2M/s1600/SAM_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXklXIfhRpYkuxF7lcYtQ8y668SJatW5OLQbevus2oTgerWb11sirb_7-FTy6Yo4oX0FHwx_GUP6tD0-t9b5Z6WqPo4u_f0aZRwKmMQSGrkfr5HZCHl1wka2qoxTj6iWiiPsAVyPfZT2M/s320/SAM_1358.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBlBw2KDkf7n3EbTygvvN18c19qrIBIkaE9Ivji7cFum7eUv1vhdYXJWB4ZHfCrn9_JseJsXIrDyszwVMJIFjs9MLCfKeGcQ2a-sWBLi0ZfCTySGYwGupWIeCTe3-mcCFJd1U3-4keg8/s1600/SAM_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBlBw2KDkf7n3EbTygvvN18c19qrIBIkaE9Ivji7cFum7eUv1vhdYXJWB4ZHfCrn9_JseJsXIrDyszwVMJIFjs9MLCfKeGcQ2a-sWBLi0ZfCTySGYwGupWIeCTe3-mcCFJd1U3-4keg8/s320/SAM_1377.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I put this as the last major step, but you're free to do this before budgeting if money is not an issue for you :) </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you've decided on activities & budget, it's easier to pinpoint the location of your stay in Japan. These are the resources I use when looking for a place to stay at:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.booking.com/s/35_6/msnadd29" target="_blank">Booking.com</a> - suitable for solo travels to group travels, although for a group of families I suggest looking for Airbnb first.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/c/nrusdi" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> - Japan has recently passed a new law which requires your Airbnb host to register their house as an Airbnb accommodation, which will go into effect June 2018. To be on the safe side, do check with your host on this. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.agoda.com/" target="_blank">Agoda</a> - I mostly use Agoda to compare fares with Booking.com, but I almost always end up booking with Booking.com... lol. It's just my personal preference.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are of course a number of alternatives for the above; these are just what I preferred & have used constantly without any issue for now. Just be sure to </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">really</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> read those fine prints!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tips for when you're looking for accommodation: find a hotel / airbnb close to public transport. It's preferable to find a place that's close to the train station or bus stands, as it reduces the walking time with your luggages lol. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Osaka</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, I love staying around the Namba area as it's close to all the major attractions. However, accommodations would be pretty expensive around the area, so you can also look around Shin-Imamiya, Nipponbashi, Dobutsuen-mae, or Tennoji area as they're not too far from Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori / Osaka Castle if you take the train. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Tokyo</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, find a place nearest to the train station on the Yamanote Line. The Yamanote Line is the train's loop line to Tokyo's most famous sights. Once again, japan-guide has </span><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">a great write-up on this</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. So far I've stayed in Ikebukuro, Otsuka, Nishi-Nippori & Nippori area, and they have all been great as you can just take the train on the Yamanote Line to go to most of the major sights in Tokyo. There are of course, exceptions, like Asakusa & Tokyo Tower. But for the most part, trains on the Yamanote Line is the most convenient to take if you're planning to go to Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Tokyo etc.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Kyoto</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, find a place near a bus stop or train (you're lucky if you get both). In Kyoto, it's much easier to get around on their city buses as they cover most of the tourist sights & their day bus pass only costs 500yen for unlimited rides. The train lines doesn't really cover a lot of those areas when you compare it to the buses' network. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hopefully the above tips helped to narrow down your possible accommodation for your stay in Japan.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Step6">6. Save up!</a></span></b></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So once all of the above is done, you can now start to save up while you start your countdown to the Japan visit of your dreams :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Extra">Other Extras</a></span></b></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Extra No. 1: Halal food & prayer space </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-goCk1ruk8BC3o43uaNkvFa_Wn-2RMg6Vgq87zvaPL0ZLw02B9uiwsztJkJneU_5GtK13I3MI-ZkPG63x_5uWOSldlW92RteWZQi94ClsUR8FN8RZwnt5m4OwJJI740sSJXOOLi1y8s/s1600/SAM_1365.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-goCk1ruk8BC3o43uaNkvFa_Wn-2RMg6Vgq87zvaPL0ZLw02B9uiwsztJkJneU_5GtK13I3MI-ZkPG63x_5uWOSldlW92RteWZQi94ClsUR8FN8RZwnt5m4OwJJI740sSJXOOLi1y8s/s320/SAM_1365.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vgGJMdvd-GH_Q-jGsB4KBv6nDHJXId4dqjvvwPMSDKRrTvyluKdXY9nyvH8Wg96N5OJLZYZjSfDbd6kfx80-bbmx4daEVEBmZsR1ceezkDYLCT1hX0CHcfgHXYux09BEqFLwNh5gU1w/s1600/SAM_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vgGJMdvd-GH_Q-jGsB4KBv6nDHJXId4dqjvvwPMSDKRrTvyluKdXY9nyvH8Wg96N5OJLZYZjSfDbd6kfx80-bbmx4daEVEBmZsR1ceezkDYLCT1hX0CHcfgHXYux09BEqFLwNh5gU1w/s320/SAM_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXcZvs94EKbpTF2OELzDfMjMfCS4uT2EjtYkCpSTahyphenhyphenqCbdGa7nnl7kygLcajxGCytLvrEytR_YmdNuyzrlSXw2XF52Bv4bFe4gZgGsTmEyhUABMi676ahpG9swyaNQherEsqej2NU1c/s1600/SAM_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXcZvs94EKbpTF2OELzDfMjMfCS4uT2EjtYkCpSTahyphenhyphenqCbdGa7nnl7kygLcajxGCytLvrEytR_YmdNuyzrlSXw2XF52Bv4bFe4gZgGsTmEyhUABMi676ahpG9swyaNQherEsqej2NU1c/s320/SAM_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1KHIf4A0u7JDAZYXePVPFkmciACAGoD0adQrq-Ktlzkbe-_gPDbpuoZjACflXFNHnVAHC0fHoDooecA4KYfLYICtWfFkcfHu1ZWZGkAsgcMR_rIvpGWiRV_uvwx-XZoukIAiFiRw_hQ/s1600/IMG_2131.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1KHIf4A0u7JDAZYXePVPFkmciACAGoD0adQrq-Ktlzkbe-_gPDbpuoZjACflXFNHnVAHC0fHoDooecA4KYfLYICtWfFkcfHu1ZWZGkAsgcMR_rIvpGWiRV_uvwx-XZoukIAiFiRw_hQ/s320/IMG_2131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Muslims, two of the hardest things we typically face when travelling are: where to find halal food & where can we perform our daily 5 prayers. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, Japan has become more open to Muslim visitors as we see a lot of halal dining restaurants popping up in the major cities & most of them even offer prayer rooms (they are on the small side, but this is a great effort that deserves a thumbs up). Heck, I remember back in 2012, we would just try to find restaurants that doesn't serve pork and order seafood meals like ebi or mackerels and the likes. Nowadays Muslims will get to enjoy halal ramen, sushi, rice meals & even snacks like takoyaki, okonomiyaki & chocolates.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">And yet, there are still some non-halal items which we will need to take care of - most of the snacks & processed food and drinks you buy may contain a preservative item called </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">nyuugazai</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> (乳化剤)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">This preservative may sometimes contain animal emulsifiers, which is not permissible in halal food. <i>Some</i> food or drinks items may, however, note that they use soy-based emulsifiers instead - so if you see something along the lines of "</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">大豆を含む</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">", then that food / snack / drink is inshaAllah halal as it uses plant-based emulsifiers instead. Allah knows best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">There are </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">other</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> ingredients to look out for when looking to check if something is halal or not (yes, I know, this is a very time-consuming process but it's always good to know what you're putting in your body):</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>材料 (Zairyou) - Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>豚肉(buta niku) - Pork meat</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>鶏肉(tori niku) - Chicken meat </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>牛肉(gyuu niku) - Beef</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>酒 (sake) - Sake/Alcohol</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>アルコール (Arukooru) - Alcohol</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>乳化剤 (Nyuugazai) - Emulsifier (from animal)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>レシチン (Reshichin) - Lecithin (from animal)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>マーガリン (maagarin) - Margarine</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>チキンエキス (chikin ekisu) - Chicken stock</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ショートニング(Shootoninggu) - Shortening (from animal)</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I may have missed out other ingredients which are not permissible, but I'm not an expert on all the above. Googling helps a lot!</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For halal restaurants, I use the app "Halal Gourmet Japan" to locate nearby halal restaurants. The app can also help you locate prayer spaces, which really helps!</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pJupCxUz3N91clmGue1Kfvyq8C02Zw7y6Kxg7YhdOXgGNxq__3ZCTn7SJ03Hbwf6xWz37KJ4OXx-kn-oxIIltcu7GqgTZ94G6q5YR2iIkbJpjUcfwmJJcj0lrwbXMNwblKGOHQk4TB0/s1600/IMG-3304.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pJupCxUz3N91clmGue1Kfvyq8C02Zw7y6Kxg7YhdOXgGNxq__3ZCTn7SJ03Hbwf6xWz37KJ4OXx-kn-oxIIltcu7GqgTZ94G6q5YR2iIkbJpjUcfwmJJcj0lrwbXMNwblKGOHQk4TB0/s320/IMG-3304.PNG" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uyLMwDbGxcjnO_04MQYZJpPqvVoOIMik8Kk1PYzTkEEkx3jJsNUkdwY-h-DYsCKytRgE-hXgXABWb4ILK2D7OL3yYyNHO2Uhgk2W7PsPbHwfpU6kapP2XbwtB3JJK_IUbRDXggDlZBc/s1600/IMG-3305.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uyLMwDbGxcjnO_04MQYZJpPqvVoOIMik8Kk1PYzTkEEkx3jJsNUkdwY-h-DYsCKytRgE-hXgXABWb4ILK2D7OL3yYyNHO2Uhgk2W7PsPbHwfpU6kapP2XbwtB3JJK_IUbRDXggDlZBc/s320/IMG-3305.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Screenshots from Halal Japan Gourmet app</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It becomes a bit trickier if you go to areas where there aren't still a lot of halal food yet, so your best bet is either a sushi place or a restaurant that doesn't serve pork or use lard in their cooking. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Prayer spaces are provided in certain major train stations, e.g. Tokyo, but they also have an opening hours (yes, it's weird, but such is Japan's system), so make sure to find out what the opening hours are.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you can't really find a prayer space, just do what we do: pray in nature :) Just make sure the space is clean & you're not bothering anyone if possible.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Extra No. 2: Pocket wifi / simcard</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Staying connected is also one of those essential things you need to have when you travel anywhere. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're travelling solo, I'd suggest buying a simcard (something like </span><a href="https://hello1010.my/country/asia.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Hello1010</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">). </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're travelling with a group, a pocket wifi might be useful since everyone can connect to a single wifi spot. I loved using </span><a href="https://www.globaladvancedcomm.com/pocketwifi.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Global Advanced Communications</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> pocket wifi, it has never failed me yet, and the speed is excellent (as long as you get the unlimited package). </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Extra No. 3: Travel Insurance</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I kinda put this under extra, but this is actually one of the major items you need for your domestic and overseas travels. Travel insurance for single pax or family is very useful to help you in case you encounter issues when you travel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most travel insurances cover things such as baggage loss, damaged baggages, theft, flight delays, accidents & accidental deaths. Suffice to say you do not want to encounter any of those, but it's good to be prepared in the event that you do.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just Google for the options that would suit you best. I personally like to use AXA SmartTraveller as their coverage is more extensive than most of the other local insurance providers (no I'm not sponsored for this, unfortunately. Hey, AXA, hit me up if you're reading :P)<br />
<br />
<b>Extra No. 4: Buy Tickets for Activities in Advance</b><br />
To make your journey smoother, I highly suggest looking at available activities via Klook, where there are lots of tickets available for purchase in advance. This not only saves you time, but also gets the hassle of trying to buy the tickets in Japan - buy them in advance and you have everything you need once you arrive in Japan!</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are what I have personally used and recommend: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/en-MY/activity/1420-7-day-whole-japan-rail-pass-jr-pass/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797" >JR Whole Japan Rail 7-Day Pass</a><img src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" width="1" height="1" style="border:0 !important; width:1px !important; height:1px !important;" border="0" /> - I highly recommend getting this JR Pass through Klook, as you <i>cannot</i> buy the pass itself outside of Japan. I have used Klook to book the pass several times now, and it's always a very fast & efficient service (I typically receive mine 2-3 days after ordering them).
<li><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/20707-/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797" >teamLab Borderless Ticket in Tokyo</a><img src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" width="1" height="1" style="border:0 !important; width:1px !important; height:1px !important;" border="0" /> - You can choose to buy this via Klook or via the official website, as the price is similar after conversion. This was one of my favourite interactive museums, and highly recommended for family as there are activities for kids as well as adults. Do note that the place will be packed, but entrances are timed so that there aren't massive crowds inside the "museum" at one time.
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/835-/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797">Universal Studios Japan™ Ticket</a><img border="0" height="1" src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" style="border: 0; height: 1px; width: 1px;" width="1" /> - If you're thinking of going to USJ in Osaka, skip the queue and just use the tickets you receive in the e-mail for entrance at USJ. Please note that this does not include the Express Pass (see below's link for that).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/3407-/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797">Universal Studios Japan Express™ Pass 4</a><img border="0" height="1" src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" style="border: 0; height: 1px; width: 1px;" width="1" /> - If you're going to USJ during peak season, consider investing in the Express Pass, which will allow you to skip the queue for 4 of the major rides in USJ, which includes the Harry Potter & the Terminator rides. The price will definitely be worth it when you consider the time you save.</span></li>
<li><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/598-/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797">Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Ticket</a><img border="0" height="1" src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" style="border: 0; height: 1px; width: 1px;" width="1" /> - I enjoyed the Osaka Aquarium, as it is <i>huge</i> and are highly enjoyable for families with kids.</li>
<li><a href="https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/activity/1754-/?adid=94452&af_wid=12797" >ICOCA IC Card (Osaka Pick Up)</a><img src="https://affiliate.klook.com/pixel/94452" width="1" height="1" style="border:0 !important; width:1px !important; height:1px !important;" border="0" /> - Highly convenient to get the ICOCA card beforehand, although it's definitely not required as you can easily purchase it at the Kansai Airport train station itself. Convenience is the keyword in this case :)
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If anyone has any suggestions / questions about the above passes or tickets, e-mail me and I'll do my best to help you choose which is one is suitable for your needs!<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Tips">TIPS & RESOURCES</a></b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the resources which might help you in planning your trip:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Websites</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/" target="_blank">Japan-guide</a>: For all your Japan information needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.hyperdia.com/en/" target="_blank">Hyperdia</a>: To plan your route & transportation </span><br />
<a href="https://muslim-guide.jp/" target="_blank">Japan Muslim Guide</a>: great website with more details on halal food & prayer spaces :)<br />
<a href="https://www.booking.com/s/35_6/msnadd29" target="_blank">Booking.com</a>: For your hotels / hostels / apartment needs.<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/c/nrusdi" target="_blank">Airbnb.com</a>: For your apartment needs.<br />
<a href="https://www.kousokubus.net/JpnBus/en" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Kousoku Bus</a>, <a href="https://japanbusonline.com/en" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Japan Bus Online</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://willerexpress.com/en/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Willer Bus</a>: For your bus needs.<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a>: Google is your friend :D (except for when it tracks your every step & every browsing activity and save it for whatever reason... *The Police's "Every Breath You Take" starts to play*) </blockquote>
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<b>Apps</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.navitime.co.jp/pcstorage/html/japan_travel/english/" target="_blank">Navitime for Japan Travel</a>: To help you see which trains you need to take - an app version of Hyperdia, basically.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.halalgourmet.jp/" target="_blank">Halal Japan Gourmet</a>: To look for halal food & prayer spaces / mosque</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps-gps-navigation/id585027354?mt=8" target="_blank">Google Maps</a>: Particularly useful to plan your route when walking, taking a train, bus or taxi to your destination.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ebook">Travel Tips in PDF / Ebook Format</a></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you like my tips & found it useful or helpful? Need more tips on how to plan your travel to Japan?</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the above will be available in PDF / Ebook format for easy reference </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">(Cost: RM40)</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The digital format includes:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The entire guide written on this page, simplified & formatted for easy reference on your phone / tablet</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A sample itinerary, complete with route planning & budgeting for a typical 7D6N travel in Japan, so you can use it as a template to plan your own trip</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Tips on how to navigate the train system in Tokyo & Osaka as well as the bus system in Kyoto & Nara</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Tips on how to choose which travel passes will work for you</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Suggestions & recommendations for halal eateries around major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Nara</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Some Japanese phrases to help you get through the language barrier for your travel needs</li>
</ul>
<b><br /></b><b>How to Purchase? </b><br />
<a href="mailto:msnaddie@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> at msnaddie@gmail.com - I'll let you know how to purchase the ebook.</blockquote>
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<h4>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Consultation">Personalized Content / Consultation</a></h4>
Do you wish to know more in particular about travelling around Japan?<br />
Do you need a personalized itinerary for your group? (Complete with route planning, budget breakdown and suggestions for accommodation area)<br />
These services would be available at a small fee, starting from RM50 to RM150<br />
Email me at <a href="mailto:msnaddie@gmail.com">msnaddie@gmail.com</a> or comment below!
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-15972663810877252702016-02-15T08:04:00.003+08:002016-02-15T08:12:39.657+08:00Travel Scams & Tips to Avoid Them<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo3oU8Gip3qdc7SgGts5eotBTfOwHUpIl3QsTb-NuNe9tcUoNJPX6UgEeNQBWHmVGdthHAhYENGFJPsfPN6OTQzdwL1TKOEyLDdHLpXHIylKUnqMQpzW47bpWV8mvwA0jEK5NcRTGseQ/s1600/Travel+Scams+%2526+Tips+To+Avoid+Them+-+Header.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpo3oU8Gip3qdc7SgGts5eotBTfOwHUpIl3QsTb-NuNe9tcUoNJPX6UgEeNQBWHmVGdthHAhYENGFJPsfPN6OTQzdwL1TKOEyLDdHLpXHIylKUnqMQpzW47bpWV8mvwA0jEK5NcRTGseQ/s640/Travel+Scams+%2526+Tips+To+Avoid+Them+-+Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Travel scams: the bane of every travellers' existence.<br />
<br />
Reading about the <a href="http://www.thevocket.com/scam-dan-penipuan-di-lombok/" target="_blank">horrific experience of 3 Malaysian backpackers at Lombok</a> over at The Vocket, I decided to share this with others just so that everyone will be more aware of the types of scams they could encounter when travelling.<br />
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<h4>
Our Lombok Scam Experience</h4>
As far as scams go, I haven't personally experienced one (thankfully), although I've had my fair share of haggling that went wrong due to my own stupidity (you'd think I'd know better after having gone through it a few times, but haggling is just really not my strong suit).<br />
<br />
I haven't told anyone about our Lombok holiday scam - thankfully I wasn't affected by the scam, but 7 of my friends were. I just thought I'd share this (since it didn't fit into the original Lombok holiday narrative) just to warn everyone that holiday scams aren't restricted to petty pick-pocketers (alliterations are fun!).<br />
<br />
Two of my friends and I had to leave earlier than the rest of the Lombok gang back in May. Our friends who came back later than us later recounted their tale as they told us how they got ripped off by the airport staff at Lombok International Airport.<br />
<br />
They arrived with their luggages in tow and were ready to checked in - when they handed over their boarding passes with their passports, nothing seemed amiss except one thing: the airport staff told them that they did not have any checked-in luggage allocated to their boarding pass.<br />
<i>As a note:</i> My friends and I actually bought the AirAsia tickets to Lombok without luggage and meal since we thought we could just add it on later when we have more money in our pockets, and so that's what we did. Funnily enough, there was no problem with my two friends' and my checked-in luggage.<br />
<br />
Well, needless to say, all hell broke loose - my friends vehemently protested that they have already paid for our checked-in luggage and meal and even showed proof of payment as well as proof of the luggage being included in the boarding pass. They had all the proof they need, to be honest, but in the end everything fell to deaf ears. I think my friends argued with the staff for over an hour, and there was a long queue of people wanting to check in behind them. The airport staffs denied my friends their luggage rights and my friends had to pay extra. Interestingly enough, the airport staffs had originally wanted them to pay cash, but since my friends didn't have enough leftover cash they paid by credit card. (As an additional aside, as far as we could tell, these airport staffs had no affiliation at all with AirAsia.)<br />
<br />
Once my friends touched down in KLIA2 airport, they went directly to the AirAsia counter to recount their complaints. The AirAsia staff at hand informed them that there was indeed a record of them having bought the additional checked-in luggage - but the record was deleted a few moment before they checked-in at the Lombok International Airport counter.<br />
<br />
To say it was "<i>suspicious" </i>would be too kind - but as my friends had already paid for the additional cost, the damage was done. My friend did try to revert the charge on his credit card, but as the process was a huge hassle with Maybank, in the end all of my friends paid for the additional charge. (Not even AirAsia could help because it happened out of their jurisdiction apparently.)<br />
<br />
Our suspicion was that my friends were deliberately targeted due to their large group and the airport staff deleted their luggage record because it was added-on separately - interestingly enough, <b>their onboard meals (which they paid for with the checked-in luggage) was still available on board</b>!<br />
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Our Lombok trip was one of the best trips I've ever been on, so this incident shouldn't deter anyone from going there or even travel elsewhere. But you know, I would rather avoid these scams if I could!<br />
<br />
<h2>
So how do you try to avoid travel scams?</h2>
Holiday scams are a "norm", but that doesn't mean we have to accept it. These are what I've learned on how to avoid some of the more popular scams:<br />
<h4>
1. Pickpockets</h4>
On my travels, I usually try to have three wallets - one wallet with emergency money stash (usually a mix of Malaysian ringgit and the foreign currency of the country I'm travelling to), one wallet where I put my daily budget it, and one wallet I use for the budget-of-the-day.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Put the wallet with emergency money in a safe, locked place (tip #2 applies)</li>
<li>Wallet-with-the-daily budget should come with you and stashed safely on your body (in your socks or whatever; I usually prefer to use the money-belt pouch that goes underneath your shirt but they do get uncomfortable!)</li>
<li>The daily wallet with your budget-of-the-day you can put in your bag. At least if your bag gets pick-pocketed, you'd only lose a couple of pounds/euro/yen/won/whatever. Don't put too much money in the daily wallet. </li>
</ul>
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Wear a cross-body bag if possible and ensure the bag is in front of you. Zip your bags up! If you want, you can also rip off a piece from a plastic bag and tie them through the loops of the bag zippers. This would result in the plastic bag rustling if someone did try to open it. (It's also a hassle for you if you plan on zipping & unzipping this bag a lot, but you know, pick your poison.)<br />
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Be aware of your surroundings and look at any suspicious people in the eye and give them a "I'm watching you" vibe just so they know you're watching.<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;"><img src="http://scoopempire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/im-watching-you.jpg" height="317" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right, you - no not the guy behind you, <i>YOU</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h4>
2. Keep Your Passport Safe</h4>
If I think I don't need to bring your passport for the day's excursion, I always prefer to leave my passport and other valuables somewhere in the hotel, but we all know that that's sometimes a double-edged sword. If you do leave it in the hotel, ask yourself this:<br />
<br />
Does the hotel look trustworthy / safe to you?<br />
<br />
It's hard to check of course but I always read reviews of the hotels I'm staying at at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/" target="_blank">TripAdvisor </a>& B<a href="http://www.booking.com/">ooking.com</a> - other travellers often gives out good tips & tricks about their stay, and you could glean their wisdom by spending an hour reading their reviews. If I'm staying in a hostel, I'd lock my passport in my luggage - however, you'd run the risk of your luggage being stolen too, so take your laptop lock and lock your luggage to the bedpost or something of the sort. (Lol, I know, the lengths I go to.)<br />
<br />
Hotels usually have a safe which you can utilize, and I prefer those.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, bring your passport with you (especially if you think you need it for your travels) - just make sure you keep it secret & safe & close to your body (body wallet, secret pockets, do it by whatever means you have to keep it safe).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZmV32c7pas/VZlwaIj52kI/AAAAAAAAPNM/Ff4NewcJxOI/s400/keep-it-secret.jpg" width="342" /></div>
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<h4>
3. Don't Give Away Your Credit Card / Passport Details</h4>
Yeah this should be common sense, but sometimes during travels you tend to be lulled into a false sense of security (totally understandable if you're on a lazy vacation in Bora Bora for example).<br />
<br />
I try not to give my credit card details at all if possible - probably unavoidable with hotels & car rentals, but always be vigilant. If you feel like it doesn't make sense for you to give your credit card or passport details away, <i>DON'T</i>.<br />
<br />
If you get calls in the middle of the night claiming they're from the hotel and saying that there's a problem with your card details and could you please re-confirm it along with your CCV code? Yeah, probably not a good idea to give it to them. Instead, go down and check directly with the hotel the next morning. <i>ALWAYS </i>deal with people in person if possible, not over the phone.<br />
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Always ensure your credit card transactions are done either face-to-face or if you're doing it online, ensure that it's a safe connection and that you've satisfied yourself that the website doesn't look suspicious (do your research by googling things up online - yes, it's time-consuming, but it's worth it).<br />
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If you're asked to produce your passport, show them a photocopy of it instead (make a few photocopies! You can even leave a copy in your luggage for easier tracking). If the other party insist that you show your original passport, claim that you've left it at your hotel. If you're dealing with authorities, let them know that you're willing to go back to the hotel with them to show you your passport. (Lie only if you have to, but know your limits.)<br />
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Again, <b>don't</b> leave your passport with the hotel, the rental car company, etc for <i>any </i>reason if you absolutely don't have to!<br />
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<h4>
4. Lock Your Luggage</h4>
Yeah this should be common sense too, but I guess some people are lackadaisical with their belongings? Even if you think there's nothing worth stealing, it's always a good idea to be vigilant and lock your luggage.<br />
<br />
Also, you can do the "plastic-bag loop through the zippers" trick (see #1) for your luggage too!<br />
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<img src="http://misszoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/constantvigilance.png" height="172" width="320" /></div>
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<h4>
5. Be Wary of "Free Wi-Fi"</h4>
Sometimes e-thieves (something I'd never thought I'd type out) will try to get your personal information via the free wi-fi you're accessing.<br />
<br />
So if you're surfing the web via a free wi-fi you've connected to ("Score!" you thought elatedly), don't log into your banking account, don't do any online transactions if possible (find an internet cafe or a secure wifi) -- unless you want to find yourself out of your bank savings ("...dude, <i>Not</i>Score, <i>Not</i>Score, noooooooo!" you scream dejectedly).<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;"><img src="http://www.binarywolf.com/249/images/free-wifi.jpg" height="188" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, and the "Free Wi-fi" is only there to steal your monies<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
6. Know Your Budget Airlines</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li>For AirAsia, I definitely recommend buying your luggage together with your ticket, as opposed to adding it on later via "Manage My Bookings". Hopefully you will be able to avoid my friends' Lombok Luggage Loss as you can prove that you've bought it with your ticket. If you feel safer buying extra luggage beforehand, then do it. Don't leave it to chance. </li>
<li>Consider bringing only cabin luggage to avoid the checked-in baggage fees - I know this is hard especially for parents with kids, but it's just a suggestion :) </li>
<li>Check the limitations of other budget airlines too - don't let yourself be caught having to pay more. </li>
<li>Buy a digital luggage and confirm the weight of your luggage before you check-in, take a picture of it, and bring the digital luggage with you to the check-in counter. This way you can avoid the whole overweight-luggage trick some airports / airlines employ. </li>
<li>Do your research about budget airlines - in other words, google for reviews to see what other travellers are saying about the airlines. For example, I've heard awful things about Easy Jet - doesn't mean I won't buy their cheap tickets, it just means I will know how to navigate their tricky extra charges.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<h4>
7. Double Check The Price You've Agreed On</h4>
I've personally experienced this in Lombok. We'd hired a tour agent to take us around since it's easier with our large group, and we've emailed the agent back and forth and finally agreed on a price.<br />
<br />
When we got to Lombok, we were greeted by our tour agent (although he was not the one we dealt with directly) and it was all smiles when we were dropped off to our hotel for check-in. Then, the agent asked for full payment before we start the tour the next day - fair enough.<br />
<br />
I'd prepared the exact amount of money to pay the tour agent, down to the very cent - however, when I checked the bill, the agent had quoted almost double the price! Luckily I checked the amount first and furiously searched for the e-mail stating the price we've agreed on beforehand and told this to the agent in charge of us.<br />
<br />
The agent immediately called his boss (the one whom we dealt with via emails and phone) for confirmation and finally agreed on the original-quoted price. Now I'd like to think that this is just a miscommunication as the tour agent was really non-confrontational about the whole thing, but we decided to be alert to any hidden charges from then on.<br />
<br />
The outcome of the whole thing is that you should <i>always </i>double check the price you've agreed on previously and the price you're asked to pay now.<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;"><img src="https://mybloggableday.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/giphy-11.gif?w=640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you don't double check, CC shows you what happens<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
8. And finally... Travel Insurance</h4>
At the end of the day, despite of all the careful plans we've cooked up to foil our fraudulent foes, we have to accept that sometimes accidents happen. It won't always happen, but it <i>could</i>.<br />
<br />
This is where travel insurance comes in.<br />
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For destinations with questionable safety status, I always buy travel insurance. Now that I'm almost always travelling alone, I always buy a travel insurance. I prefer to get a yearly coverage as I know I will at least travel more than 3 times a year - personally I feel it's worth the peace of mind.<br />
<br />
Do your research when it comes to travel insurances and look at all the T&Cs involved in it, especially on the ease of claims if you do run into a loss/accident. There are a lot of offers in Malaysia, and there's a few international travel insurance worth looking into as well (although a bit more expensive what with the Ringgit depreciation), so pick the one that you think is worth it. It also depends on what you want to cover - luggage, delay, heck even your travelling gadgets will be accounted for if you want to go for more coverage. So yeah, do your research and pick the one you like most.<br />
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<b><i>TIPS:</i></b> Make a list of all your belongings (on your phone & on physical paper) so that it's easier for you to keep track of your belongings and easier for claims as well. Also it helps you to see what you should insure and what could do without. To take it a step further you can take a picture of your luggage and all your travel gears just so you can show your insurance company later what condition it was in before it meets with any accident.<br />
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When all else fails, always have travel insurance as your backup!<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><h4>
<b>AND FINALLY:</b> </h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The above is not the be-all and end-all of the travel scams - thieves will always try to trick you in a new, "innovative" ways - the best advice I can give you is to be alert at all times, especially so if your intuition is telling you something is wrong. If despite every precautions you've taken, something still happens, remember that you're on a holiday - don't stress about it too much, and make sure your valuables and yourself are insured!</span><br />
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<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-20641442820717487722016-02-14T11:51:00.000+08:002016-02-14T18:18:48.718+08:002016 Travel Resolutions<div style="text-align: center;">
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I was thinking about the whole New Year's Resolutions thing and thought I would do one for my travels - just so I can keep the end in mind. I know that it's mid-February already in 2016, but hey we kinda just entered the New Year by Chinese calendar, so I'm totally using that excuse to post this lol.<br />
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1. Start a Travel Journal</h3>
I mean, this website is basically my travelogue, true, but I think I'd like to keep a handwritten personal Travel Journal to jot down all my thoughts in the moment - I can't really be as candid as I want to on the internet tbh; there are some things people just don't care about or people just tend to get be upset over the smallest things sometimes, especially in today's viral media world.<br />
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2. Bring Less</h3>
I'm totally guilty of overpacking - I've had numerous occasions where I brought extra clothes or extra accessories (hypergear bag, swimsuits, travelling iron whathaveyou) only to not use them. All because of the "just in case" moments I'm prone to.<br />
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In fact, I'm trying to bring just enough clothes & items to bring as cabin luggage (which would totally save a lot with these low-cost airlines). This will be the hardest transition, I can tell.<br />
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3. Cross Off Things Off My Bucket List</h3>
I have a lot of things on <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2014/02/travel-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">my Bucket List</a> and honestly, it's getting longer and longer as time goes on and as I grow older... Don't worry I'm not breaking out into a musical just yet. But seriously, the world is a huge place and there are still so many undiscovered destinations that I can only dream of going to (Mars, anyone?) that it's really hard to stop wishing.<br />
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That said, I'm seriously trying to focus on crossing off items off my bucket list next year onwards. (Unfortunately, this year's quota for travelling is nada lol, I've finished all my annual leave planning.)<br />
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4. Be More Realistic About My Bucket List</h3>
Of course, even if I've crossed off things off <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2014/02/travel-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">my Bucket List</a>, it's going to be hard if I keep on adding unrealistic items into it, heh.<br />
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So I'm going to try to be more realistic about my bucket list - that 1-year-round-the-world-trip is probably not going to happen any time soon, so I should probably focus on that when I have more freedom in my work and of course, a more stable financial footing. Malaysia's experiencing some kind of financial instability and we're just worried we're heading into recession at this point, so I'm holding onto my 9-to-5 job which I really do love until it's stable again - so yeah, definitely taking all these things into account when I put down items in Bucket List.<br />
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I know the Bucket List is supposed to be a wish-fulfillment thing, but if you're going to be unrealistic about it, you're gonna get disillusioned real fast.<br />
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5. Get Out of My Comfort Zone</h3>
I've only recently started to travel alone, and that solo travel took me to Japan last year. I ended up loving solo travelling and went solo for a couple of days in Iceland and in Amsterdam. Now that I know I can do it and that the only thing stopping me was me, I'm thinking that I should get our of my comfort zone more often.<br />
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I've always loved to travel with friends because I love sharing my travel moments with them - travelling solo didn't cross my mind until I could find no more options and just thought I'd throw caution to the wind and do it regardless. But even then, I think I've stuck to "safer" countries - Japan being one of my favourite destinations, it was natural that I started off with Japan. I think I'm slightly more ready to get out of my comfort zone now.<br />
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Being Muslim <i>and </i>a woman <i>and </i>a POC, I think I have good reasons to avoid travelling alone, especially in the less... Muslim-friendly countries. Especially in the current political climate where everybody seems to want to blame everything on the "Islamic" militants (God I could rant and rant about this but this is not a political blog).<br />
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<b>My point is this</b>: If I'm going to be scared to travel to all these beautiful countries, I'm never going to shatter all the prejudices or preconceptions that the media has painted about them.<br />
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"<b>Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness</b>." - Mark Twain</blockquote>
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6. Blog More Consistently</h3>
...Yeah I'm totally guilty of leaving my blog until I get motivated. Thing is, I think going through thousands of the photos I took during my travels and then editing them is hard - writing about it is harder.<br />
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I always like to have a theme to my blog posts - each post might have a different theme even though I'm still travelling in the same country, but it helps to have a theme so that I can set the tone of the post and come up with ideas on what to write. Writing is hard, but I've always loved it. The brainstream-writing that I put out is pretty much spontaneous once I've gotten hold of the theme I had in mind. But that doesn't mean I don't proofread my writing.<br />
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Sometimes when I proofread my writing, I would think "omg ugh why the hell did I write that, and why does this sentence sounds like a juvenile 13yo just took over this travelogue?" - but hey that's all good. It's part of the editing process that you kinda have to go through to make sure there are no run-on sentences (I know I have a lot of those I can't help it I just really like run-on sentences ok I'll shut up now), no grammatical errors (hard to avoid, but proofreading at least minimizes it), and no incongruence in the travel details (I'm guilty of this sometimes). This is where a travel journal would really help - any recorded writings would help tremendously rather than relying on your memory (unless you have a super photographic memory, in which case I envy you). Hence my #1 Resolution.<br />
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So yeah, I'm trying to break the procrastination-thing so that I can blog more consistently this year, hopefully.<br />
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<i><b>So what's your 2016 Travel Resolution?</b></i>Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-8398783990092629342016-02-03T20:47:00.000+08:002016-02-04T18:26:28.716+08:00[JAPAN 2016] 5 Ways to Spend New Year in Tokyo<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ahhh, yes, another last-minute planned trip to Japan.<br />
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I find now that I'm getting older, I get a bit more impatient about planning my holidays :P All my previous holidays have been planned a year in advance usually, but all my 2015 travels have mostly been a "spur-of-the-moment-omg-let's-book-that-flight-now-it's-so-cheap!" kind of thing. It's not a bad way to live I guess, but my savings are kind of crying right now.<br />
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This trip was brought on due to Sakamoto Maaya, once again. To promote her newest album "<a href="http://goo.gl/PKrtKz" target="_blank">Follow Me Up</a>", she held several lives from November 2015 to January 2016. I managed to get tickets to her New Year's Eve show thanks to Maayas.net again, and so I would be spending my New Year's in Tokyo!<br />
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<h2>
What To Do in Tokyo During New Year</h2>
<a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2276.html" target="_blank">Japan-guide</a> has great suggestions on what you can do in Japan during the New Year's celebrations, and will be very handy to plan your trip. <b>NOTE:</b> Some sites and attractions will be closed during the New Year holidays, so do take note of which ones are opened over at japan-guide so that you're not disappointed.<br />
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Fair warning: travel activity during New Year within Japan will be increasing, so book any shinkansen seats, hotels, theme park tickets etc. earlier to be safe. Hotels and flights are of course more expensive at this time of the year (as it will be everywhere else around the world).<br />
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1. Visit the shrines (Hatsumode)</h4>
A popular activity for the locals, where they will pay their first visit at the popular shrines all over Japan on New Year. Yes, it will be extremely crowded - I went to Kawagoe's Kitain Temple on the 3rd of January and it was full of people. Well, part of it may have to do with the fact that there was a Hatsudaishi "festival" going on with food stalls, daruyama and the works - but hey, if you want to experience Japan's culture during the New Year, this should be #1 on your list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawU1gi2Np_ILrZgTHnwJ_zoTeM4xPqBuHQwweXISYzGP838nl7crq7nLz5AY6o5att85LVB5sOT2qzvgVh9njbTgND1cBiz3TVzMEh8ireir9FNf1WoImVcxKacwkdr-0nJXbBiMUJ28/s1600/GOPR3408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawU1gi2Np_ILrZgTHnwJ_zoTeM4xPqBuHQwweXISYzGP838nl7crq7nLz5AY6o5att85LVB5sOT2qzvgVh9njbTgND1cBiz3TVzMEh8ireir9FNf1WoImVcxKacwkdr-0nJXbBiMUJ28/s640/GOPR3408.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh, well, this doesn't seem so bad," you might say.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivzKLThMxWsAHvOpEs1W1M0wqkA-tl_xju4hM_hFhqLxW6aCPbaiicCre0yKNS8PJEeqkirjedhPDx8_ymWIS6t6xq2pqpTUNCUZAF7HEadFncLE8nUehgAhhn967cav3aaoypygMSWo/s1600/GOPR3412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivzKLThMxWsAHvOpEs1W1M0wqkA-tl_xju4hM_hFhqLxW6aCPbaiicCre0yKNS8PJEeqkirjedhPDx8_ymWIS6t6xq2pqpTUNCUZAF7HEadFncLE8nUehgAhhn967cav3aaoypygMSWo/s640/GOPR3412.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Yep, this was the crowd that greeted us at Kitain Temple #noregrets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxokExjINBi1S53WbdE4-hoCYJDAgoS7iVEN-Tl05qWArQqBVA5zIILQJbn8hM99aejhPr3TD0mp-M8fU69CS_lTPXlbs8tqOTQzKlFwbuIsvC49V1nJGJtO9S-WY9E4njXUIVeb66GAw/s1600/GOPR3410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxokExjINBi1S53WbdE4-hoCYJDAgoS7iVEN-Tl05qWArQqBVA5zIILQJbn8hM99aejhPr3TD0mp-M8fU69CS_lTPXlbs8tqOTQzKlFwbuIsvC49V1nJGJtO9S-WY9E4njXUIVeb66GAw/s640/GOPR3410.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole lotta daruma in all sizes! The belief is that you fill in one eye to indicate what your goal / aim / wish is for the New Year - when your wish is fulfilled, then you fill in another eye :) It's a great way to motivate yourself, albeit probably a little creepy on account of the no-eyes thing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQdI_M6SM7qMR1HwRyHnu1_Tl94Kd8OZnjXFpi0QZQNvtCy2uZuwV5uKDVdNY8TbElUoELQqij4cNKIGAN0UXGXrWDesHdLnKXi7Zzpm71V2k7eNDxCrUgmoKKoi2qv-b1HfWhrvGcfg/s1600/GOPR3409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQdI_M6SM7qMR1HwRyHnu1_Tl94Kd8OZnjXFpi0QZQNvtCy2uZuwV5uKDVdNY8TbElUoELQqij4cNKIGAN0UXGXrWDesHdLnKXi7Zzpm71V2k7eNDxCrUgmoKKoi2qv-b1HfWhrvGcfg/s640/GOPR3409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My all-time favourite in Japan: takoyaki!</td></tr>
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2. Go on Fuji-Q Highland's record-breaking rollercoasters </h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhDlLiVRswOAtPcOx0LclE5mXrtAV6A8Et8aZWommIgeF3dYab5dX18hXbBvW6EYEQkUjSZQjeMxO1FqCoKzUL3JHF4QkFHLj6pikgVerg_O0bMMLui28vYM4y2CCT1V9F7oeBYbZVx4/s1600/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+9+46+44+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhDlLiVRswOAtPcOx0LclE5mXrtAV6A8Et8aZWommIgeF3dYab5dX18hXbBvW6EYEQkUjSZQjeMxO1FqCoKzUL3JHF4QkFHLj6pikgVerg_O0bMMLui28vYM4y2CCT1V9F7oeBYbZVx4/s640/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+9+46+44+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know it sounds kind of weird to go to a theme park on New Year, but honestly what better way to welcome the New Year? :D<br />
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<a href="https://www.fujiq.jp/en/" target="_blank">Fuji-Q Highland </a>is a 2-hour bus ride from Tokyo / Shinjuku and you can get there <a href="https://www.fujiq.jp/en/access/" target="_blank">by bus or train</a> (the more convenient way would be by bus, which was what we did).<br />
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Thankfully when we went, the crowds were either too busy spending time with family outside of Tokyo or they didn't think going on rollercoasters was the proper way to welcome the New Year - either way, most of the rides had an average of 1 hour to 1.5 hour waiting time (the longest wait for us was the 2 hour wait for Dodonpa), which wasn't too bad. You can always buy the express pass, but we opted not to.<br />
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Fuji-Q has only 4 rollercoasters, but these are not your normal rollercoasters: <b>Fujiyama </b>is the oldest rollercoaster in Japan (which was unfortunately closed due to strong winds on the day we were there), <b>Dodonpa </b>is one of the fastest rollercoasters at 172km/hr (I couldn't feel my face for the first few seconds, no lie), <b>Eejanaika </b>has a barf-inducing loops while you're falling backwards on the steep coaster track, and <b>Takabisha </b>has the #1 spot of rollercoaster with steepest drop at 121 degrees!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h2aGAJAm2tFVFkAQYVTpbda8kTrOlAETEhxMDgN7SL-3G92eXcR1quaUoyVGI7RBJ2KO_cPfU-o5sNdPcNc3FHjjR-A9ArYGBqrnTLwRwgb-rE4rtOpQnEhBvP4sSIN2DqY1WFPqYXQ/s1600/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+1+43+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h2aGAJAm2tFVFkAQYVTpbda8kTrOlAETEhxMDgN7SL-3G92eXcR1quaUoyVGI7RBJ2KO_cPfU-o5sNdPcNc3FHjjR-A9ArYGBqrnTLwRwgb-rE4rtOpQnEhBvP4sSIN2DqY1WFPqYXQ/s640/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+1+43+45+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It even has a certificate and everything.</td></tr>
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Fuji-Q Highland also has a <b>Haunted House</b> - which apparently lasted for 60min or 900m wth. Tbh I've erased everything about the haunted house once I got out of it, otherwise it will forever traumatize me lol. But yeah, worth it for the experience if you've never been to one or you love being traumatized for life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9GNXv_xLxijpp4fjewp-eD8bUw6KaIcA0NHikbp85O6OB5Yi2sHku_MwMRcd28Ni8PJlvi5VQEZd2kJc0YM2k4b4DZCkk1P2vK6rhATafEMZGGbDHgWPF_XX_u4gx4vtyqVUC8gQbCE/s1600/IMG_3087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9GNXv_xLxijpp4fjewp-eD8bUw6KaIcA0NHikbp85O6OB5Yi2sHku_MwMRcd28Ni8PJlvi5VQEZd2kJc0YM2k4b4DZCkk1P2vK6rhATafEMZGGbDHgWPF_XX_u4gx4vtyqVUC8gQbCE/s320/IMG_3087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know why I'm traumatized? This is literally what my workplace looks like and now I will forever associate long, dark-lit corridors with the memories of zombies chasing me. Thanks, JM, you owe me an un-scarred brain.</td></tr>
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There's also the <b>Ultimate Fort</b>, a labyrinth / maze / escape room kind of game which sounds absolutely fun (anything zombie-less sounds fun!) and supposedly has a success rate of 1/100000 - you might end up being the 1 in a 100,000 ;)<br />
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Also, if you're super lucky, you will get an awesome view of <b>Mt. Fuji</b> while you go on all the rides! (We were lucky and managed to see Mt. Fuji the whole day.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5OpcdHcm2mjgp5E76Tajwb6od55uekkZU5paggAoWJie_JaqyGCXdad03z-l12kB2fjo7Eq-jX7PjefAz0hYCSE7-YwoKnmItRX8wRDckY_eIP-Wbb_Hzs905sFzimH5gMNSF7zUUaQ/s1600/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+12+02+17+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5OpcdHcm2mjgp5E76Tajwb6od55uekkZU5paggAoWJie_JaqyGCXdad03z-l12kB2fjo7Eq-jX7PjefAz0hYCSE7-YwoKnmItRX8wRDckY_eIP-Wbb_Hzs905sFzimH5gMNSF7zUUaQ/s640/Photo+02-01-2016%252C+12+02+17+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine getting this awesome view while you ride on all the rollercoasters? This was the view we had all day. Mt. Fuji was super shy when I was there <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2015/04/japan-2014-day-4-mt-fuji-shibazakura.html" target="_blank">back in 2014 for the Shibazakura festival</a></td></tr>
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After you're done with all the rides Fuji-Q has to offer, you can opt to go to the awesome onsen nearby (price is of course excluded from the park) to relax before you head back to Tokyo. Or if you so prefer, you can make your way to Kawaguchiko lakes since it's nearby.<br />
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<h4>
3. Go to a cat cafe</h4>
Don't judge me, I love cats, okay. Cat cafes are the in-thing in Japan (along with a myriad of other specialized cafes, like owl cafes - honestly it sounds cool and I'd love to go to one), and you can opt to spend 30minutes to 1.5hr with the cats!<br />
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Be warned: not all cats will be friendly - remember, cats are our overlords.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr02HeAjhW7k_Fx4loKGsBrXpPYNrhljtGqepsaOVNm0_7VysNwGZUG2fX8CGVG86Awa9Crpry2ga4McyX5JLsKPi5oxczJEwYbYEetbCeuTI63NBgktlgxATskU5s-dtDoINyJIC9sgo/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+19+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr02HeAjhW7k_Fx4loKGsBrXpPYNrhljtGqepsaOVNm0_7VysNwGZUG2fX8CGVG86Awa9Crpry2ga4McyX5JLsKPi5oxczJEwYbYEetbCeuTI63NBgktlgxATskU5s-dtDoINyJIC9sgo/s640/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+19+49+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Case in point. This cat basically glared at everyone the whole time.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQT9vNmKBb2glUVw-IF84OvB7DffC35_mgz6VTp2VgxK7LTxj1DoEqO3nTuIfo8D71y2j5Y5-J0HO0BZJ6VInm3Hk0YPUT8jQh47SpSyTUlQcxs3Tcms1P9BBlURUlnL8NM7gR1LgRF4/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+21+29+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQT9vNmKBb2glUVw-IF84OvB7DffC35_mgz6VTp2VgxK7LTxj1DoEqO3nTuIfo8D71y2j5Y5-J0HO0BZJ6VInm3Hk0YPUT8jQh47SpSyTUlQcxs3Tcms1P9BBlURUlnL8NM7gR1LgRF4/s640/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+21+29+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When will my husband return from war.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmMTCeGdGUYCgDVC0l3M2Hz81C5gdhx_SaIgiPjNJOBbV0X1aebg2MEEH6YAanhmMtCL-8Mb6JqEQmtbs6HVo6YlINXnOHDLJAQLz0-xna8rOhoBjMLKgioeL1PXIqYlzg9D-n2xLTLY/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+35+05+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmMTCeGdGUYCgDVC0l3M2Hz81C5gdhx_SaIgiPjNJOBbV0X1aebg2MEEH6YAanhmMtCL-8Mb6JqEQmtbs6HVo6YlINXnOHDLJAQLz0-xna8rOhoBjMLKgioeL1PXIqYlzg9D-n2xLTLY/s320/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+35+05+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime9OR8RmP-qquFqjMRzlFF1BlQ7cBieG4lJ4XTCpfNFM59t-lsGpAGsqyONlSOBcWgTOiij_S8WSTff5aRvqnulsBN-aL1V-d8O2DD-vWssyYZBoLURTU77YAyyLaggUEgUWm8w4uqaA/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+34+55+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime9OR8RmP-qquFqjMRzlFF1BlQ7cBieG4lJ4XTCpfNFM59t-lsGpAGsqyONlSOBcWgTOiij_S8WSTff5aRvqnulsBN-aL1V-d8O2DD-vWssyYZBoLURTU77YAyyLaggUEgUWm8w4uqaA/s320/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+34+55+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR7ji8DCtOTgNuziEuQfnngtsIppk_Phx2InQ3pWdSjPmJUsD8uIZP6jcBVaBu-tMWXBKqyxAvQ8uatoBfmxss_9D9ZC8AwATKgAv7zF6yNXJkjn1KUVCQ0-_9SevcM8fZpF9W9BF6x4/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+28+15+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR7ji8DCtOTgNuziEuQfnngtsIppk_Phx2InQ3pWdSjPmJUsD8uIZP6jcBVaBu-tMWXBKqyxAvQ8uatoBfmxss_9D9ZC8AwATKgAv7zF6yNXJkjn1KUVCQ0-_9SevcM8fZpF9W9BF6x4/s320/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+28+15+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z3A_nAwpTHRO8CdYmLIQlJ8NT0S6Y4De_J8e7Gb-yu4FClywBXI_2HSVT8iHrgv6pdWVDz4ao1qJ4spm0QlI_13g6k2OPLR4kRZBuwqgL2HkiCf_pPG6y_PTPQun0-xRk3Hjyqi5Egk/s1600/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+25+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z3A_nAwpTHRO8CdYmLIQlJ8NT0S6Y4De_J8e7Gb-yu4FClywBXI_2HSVT8iHrgv6pdWVDz4ao1qJ4spm0QlI_13g6k2OPLR4kRZBuwqgL2HkiCf_pPG6y_PTPQun0-xRk3Hjyqi5Egk/s320/Photo+31-12-2015%252C+2+25+51+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h4>
4. Eat, eat, and eat!</h4>
The New Year is the perfect excuse to cheat on your diet for a day or two (or five), and Japanese food will tempt you from all sorts of corners so you might as well give in now.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5UaXc8NoFascQpNcyEs5gzd7OKFQxYZYSBRDxM3HPbu5wgdJvS5XR74Si6PKiFglODN5ur-VaYdSSSId4P9v3eqLpI1lg713Fnvw5aQRjhG9pZoDKlzg-VpqxFB2bpbKwvAjgMkVpDU/s1600/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+10+01+20+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5UaXc8NoFascQpNcyEs5gzd7OKFQxYZYSBRDxM3HPbu5wgdJvS5XR74Si6PKiFglODN5ur-VaYdSSSId4P9v3eqLpI1lg713Fnvw5aQRjhG9pZoDKlzg-VpqxFB2bpbKwvAjgMkVpDU/s640/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+10+01+20+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ryokan offered an osechi food (Japanese new year meal) for free!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EBgOiMpmZk9b8PKUZtbXOtp3v2GZNEk-pIzzgiX0KXABbXPumguaOmmS5Q90gMTzIknmKLK1a9R0uvBtOVPeEwzfjeTwuTWN1gJoSaOT5F6DOLq1-k54dBfzjrdPoHJ6q7-aOVHeYBY/s1600/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+10+02+36+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EBgOiMpmZk9b8PKUZtbXOtp3v2GZNEk-pIzzgiX0KXABbXPumguaOmmS5Q90gMTzIknmKLK1a9R0uvBtOVPeEwzfjeTwuTWN1gJoSaOT5F6DOLq1-k54dBfzjrdPoHJ6q7-aOVHeYBY/s400/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+10+02+36+AM.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=zouni&oq=zouni&aqs=chrome..69i57.2215j0j1&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Zouni </a></i>- tasted better than it looks! Feat. Year of the Monkey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooEseNvFnlALc4PVUr1kH_vlul-DbnVPt-KmUXEgYEC_t188Yfa7f_z3taArmV4W5yuBHNkoFEYMfe6wQEjhrKoEUTLvf_kUSheWhIjng-3WsErFHcDnNRp4yDbJjoQ_BCrtQCU3v7wU/s1600/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+12+26+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhooEseNvFnlALc4PVUr1kH_vlul-DbnVPt-KmUXEgYEC_t188Yfa7f_z3taArmV4W5yuBHNkoFEYMfe6wQEjhrKoEUTLvf_kUSheWhIjng-3WsErFHcDnNRp4yDbJjoQ_BCrtQCU3v7wU/s640/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+12+26+44+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-2rPeNpoQNDiexi4bxWf3SX7hGQ2tTLY5gQlUrQVUvi-tjISvJ7_dmPhmnEiNnFntdvJfLSxkJauLX7KdBkrmkv_e-pxO3dsmC-J_UTd6kp2uGvfqd3lWwflUUN4_zTmUX729ulQesE/s1600/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+1+51+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-2rPeNpoQNDiexi4bxWf3SX7hGQ2tTLY5gQlUrQVUvi-tjISvJ7_dmPhmnEiNnFntdvJfLSxkJauLX7KdBkrmkv_e-pxO3dsmC-J_UTd6kp2uGvfqd3lWwflUUN4_zTmUX729ulQesE/s640/Photo+01-01-2016%252C+1+51+45+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the better eel dish I've tasted</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdz96YPjeIV-3jCRfl3Ij51ev10m-9ybU_F0-o647mvQc7wT4I7CunpwdogGLZx3MPM3jUyRNTlimG6ocwPZSQs_I7NrzjncHwUcItLRr5INw8mbc_CXCnXHUyHPwUx9P4MY8z_SdK_I/s1600/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+2+00+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdz96YPjeIV-3jCRfl3Ij51ev10m-9ybU_F0-o647mvQc7wT4I7CunpwdogGLZx3MPM3jUyRNTlimG6ocwPZSQs_I7NrzjncHwUcItLRr5INw8mbc_CXCnXHUyHPwUx9P4MY8z_SdK_I/s400/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+2+00+58+PM.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato taiyaki! This was so good!!! Had this in Kawagoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQgTlHel-TmP9jqUhdUrXG8aIFrag-ZgO_eCRls81UlSkSWtmy2CswclqOAGdb38Cp16uWi4guKwFdbgzkKafliqkRHsNtr1y064SNNv2k-vBA4NcdqHK7Gu4gCWP0AyJY2Zefl8a83Y/s1600/Photo+04-01-2016%252C+11+55+01+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQgTlHel-TmP9jqUhdUrXG8aIFrag-ZgO_eCRls81UlSkSWtmy2CswclqOAGdb38Cp16uWi4guKwFdbgzkKafliqkRHsNtr1y064SNNv2k-vBA4NcdqHK7Gu4gCWP0AyJY2Zefl8a83Y/s400/Photo+04-01-2016%252C+11+55+01+AM.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2jTgmj1-oB6VWuzoIrqenFcVSuS8MjFDggbQf_EeOaNWMq2pU_XKzAgg7tgKJwLZdU692YgQfkPxlsHjFXg783kOByxKxrVB4bQZ5Z0RseI8m7r1S6t3TaxqgfIeJiKPILxB6tYiugk/s1600/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+2+49+24+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2jTgmj1-oB6VWuzoIrqenFcVSuS8MjFDggbQf_EeOaNWMq2pU_XKzAgg7tgKJwLZdU692YgQfkPxlsHjFXg783kOByxKxrVB4bQZ5Z0RseI8m7r1S6t3TaxqgfIeJiKPILxB6tYiugk/s640/Photo+03-01-2016%252C+2+49+24+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK this isn't for eating, but lookit how cute!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
5. Karaoke</h4>
...OK, you can judge me a little :P I blame my love for karaoke and singing on my dad (sorry dad, someone's gotta take the blame).<br />
<br />
But seriously, Japanese loves their karaoke - you will be able to find countless karaoke chains all over Tokyo! Prices vary depending on the chains you choose, but for the most part you will get cheaper rates if you go during nighttime and/or on weekdays.<br />
<br />
For those who are a bit more shy to sing in front of other people, you can always opt for solo karaoke - yep, Japan even caters for solo karaoke-ers! <a href="https://1kara.jp/en/" target="_blank">1kara</a> offers these hitokara rooms, where you get an awesome "pit" for yourself, equipped with professional sound system and microphones! You'll have to bring your own earphones (you can just use any earphones really) or you can rent one at 1kara as well. Bonus: there's a ladies-only floor! Free-flow drinks are available on each floor, but honestly you'll be too busy singing and enjoying yourself to care about drinks.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttJEwnQHWks96IWRbX6lpHHRO4xhdGHLmh_qGbgVke4w4s7ezx7yGwwTZ3T1absJoIQsMeLYOOlmFjkIo2Yrynm6FfQYh2ZMQBMJ2znKKp8O7dkn8dB4t-yD8RUJxRonNYEVPlIx97z8/s1600/GOPR3393.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttJEwnQHWks96IWRbX6lpHHRO4xhdGHLmh_qGbgVke4w4s7ezx7yGwwTZ3T1absJoIQsMeLYOOlmFjkIo2Yrynm6FfQYh2ZMQBMJ2znKKp8O7dkn8dB4t-yD8RUJxRonNYEVPlIx97z8/s640/GOPR3393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiislqL2gTK2012C4opKKYKBTOn1hpnDe5tJziSwZgKWot44wTpE-tPHRWJ3-MICYj0jIrP8GCMzDwOMgTKNpFKCRXAtDxITcb4Dy2VvarP5LlcAcU-ZV0Q7WvlGNizE272lLjxLeiCL8Q/s1600/GOPR3394.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiislqL2gTK2012C4opKKYKBTOn1hpnDe5tJziSwZgKWot44wTpE-tPHRWJ3-MICYj0jIrP8GCMzDwOMgTKNpFKCRXAtDxITcb4Dy2VvarP5LlcAcU-ZV0Q7WvlGNizE272lLjxLeiCL8Q/s640/GOPR3394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpPEOBHRxTEOjgOQg8IiDB3PqZ8X6rUhvSSlnPNHdnjXoflWfJs-absbm4bSlYZxkLhf8QyPfC0tKfaLGY6Rgtxu35Or8Hv3ShvKiv5A1AAg-6Yc-r81W0ikxUeOkVdFw7RdVecARfPY/s1600/GOPR3396.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpPEOBHRxTEOjgOQg8IiDB3PqZ8X6rUhvSSlnPNHdnjXoflWfJs-absbm4bSlYZxkLhf8QyPfC0tKfaLGY6Rgtxu35Or8Hv3ShvKiv5A1AAg-6Yc-r81W0ikxUeOkVdFw7RdVecARfPY/s640/GOPR3396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Et cetera, et cetera</h4>
Of course the above is a non-exhaustive list and I don't have the time to list down everything you can do in Tokyo on New Year, but the above should give you an idea of how to occupy your time.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2276.html" target="_blank">japan-guide</a>, you can shop to your heart's content as Japan will have superb sales during the New Year (and you see people lining up for miles starting from NYE nights just to buy the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=fukubukuro&oq=fukubukuro&aqs=chrome..69i57.2151j0j1&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">fukubukuro</a> at certain stores), you can choose to go for <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html" target="_blank">sidetrips from Tokyo</a> (we went to Kawagoe and had a blast; there's Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, and so many other places to choose from), or you can just chill around Tokyo and do normal sightseeing should you wish to do so ;)<br />
<br />
May 2016 bring in a lot of joy to everyone!<br />
<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-76916095768431596702016-02-02T10:31:00.000+08:002016-02-11T10:14:40.754+08:00Photobook Malaysia - Personalized Luggage TagI've always loved Photobook Malaysia's service and products and ever since I've bought and created a few photobooks with them.<br />
<br />
I found a deal through Groupon Malaysia for their <a href="http://www.photobook.com.my/photo-gifts/luggage-tags" target="_blank">luggage tags</a>, and since it was relatively cheap, I snapped up the deal and immediately designed my luggage tag using Photobook's online app. Thanks to their luggage tag template, the designing portion of the ordeal itself was pretty easy, and within 30 minutes I submitted my order. I'm efficient when I want to be <strike>but I procrastinate the rest of the time.</strike><br />
<br />
Photobook Malaysia finished their production within 2 days and the product has only just arrived a few minutes ago - all in all, the whole process only took 3 working days.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRw1Cys8h0JLchkd641iL_URHXxnG23eypDHXEfXf6Ja7K2tppQ3RTrROiq4119dVBaPYcYzvXc22uxW1Jx6HOy30f5ex-h5dBa70fI5VFc0BNt5u_9MHbBZgqfWyJnT_NjO1fsnOlo/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyRw1Cys8h0JLchkd641iL_URHXxnG23eypDHXEfXf6Ja7K2tppQ3RTrROiq4119dVBaPYcYzvXc22uxW1Jx6HOy30f5ex-h5dBa70fI5VFc0BNt5u_9MHbBZgqfWyJnT_NjO1fsnOlo/s640/IMG_3299.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Upon receiving the item, I was happy to see how conscientious their packagings are - the luggage tag is wrapped nicely and a care instruction for your luggage tag is included in the packaging.<br />
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Tbh my first thought when I got the luggage tag was that it's too pretty to be used lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8XxI8QReRZalPRsTkbl-3l_B-IzSaOWbmCVmdmM9DTmZp50JqjLn7XTDSZysXoTnQN9NBuJtr6Pgi_GGUlcX_PSbn7Uvz0dw3rPLcOwE5sZd8VewQzmXzUDsAwvCHlnEiZrJt9GtrOA/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8XxI8QReRZalPRsTkbl-3l_B-IzSaOWbmCVmdmM9DTmZp50JqjLn7XTDSZysXoTnQN9NBuJtr6Pgi_GGUlcX_PSbn7Uvz0dw3rPLcOwE5sZd8VewQzmXzUDsAwvCHlnEiZrJt9GtrOA/s400/IMG_3303.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0SfB0vEEmeytJC6PRhh6itFrJxPgMoLHYnvwonAQgjxTthwaZ6n4FQZRO0Wle9f1nm36AVbyoYfxfnaH55fykaIyKlFVBobbirbf_zAYOBYy0M7u6SN1fmNti3dsf0hZ1ZPe_LqzKTA/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0SfB0vEEmeytJC6PRhh6itFrJxPgMoLHYnvwonAQgjxTthwaZ6n4FQZRO0Wle9f1nm36AVbyoYfxfnaH55fykaIyKlFVBobbirbf_zAYOBYy0M7u6SN1fmNti3dsf0hZ1ZPe_LqzKTA/s400/IMG_3302.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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The luggage tag itself is made of steel (it's not overly strong but it's not bendable), infused with a special coating which is supposed to protect the tag from rust and oxidation and is also waterproof. However, do note that the care instruction mentioned that you should not expose the luggage tag to too much sun as it is prone to discolouration - too bad they didn't put any sunblock coating onto the luggage tag, eh :P</div>
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Overall I'm very happy with the luggage tag - it comes in two sizes, and I chose the smaller size as I was thinking of using it for my carry-on luggage or just my handbag. </div>
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So if you're thinking of buying a personalized hand luggage tag, you might want to look at what Photobook Malaysia has to offer.</div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-7940224698020243362016-02-01T20:17:00.001+08:002016-02-02T07:55:37.268+08:00My Favourite 2015 Travel Moments (Year In Review)<div style="text-align: center;">
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2015 has come and gone. I swear the older I get, the faster time flies - I know, it's because everything is relative and all that jazz, but it still makes me feel sort of nervous to think that it's already February! Where did January go???<br />
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Here's a sort of year-end review of My Favourite 2015 Travel Moments, in no particular order:<br />
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1. Snorkeling at the Silfra Fissure, Iceland </h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyKWUlrPAUQj31l_aZCR82ccxSDmnpA_E3Y6kHujYCrIaBII68fEGWxnkwPKVsCzKRiLTnegD0HaWhkU3bNhBFemJvfNsNS9YDSBdFzS1MIDQdN1LxRDhYolt93lqJ9UaD_01-3_Hu7M/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+41.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyKWUlrPAUQj31l_aZCR82ccxSDmnpA_E3Y6kHujYCrIaBII68fEGWxnkwPKVsCzKRiLTnegD0HaWhkU3bNhBFemJvfNsNS9YDSBdFzS1MIDQdN1LxRDhYolt93lqJ9UaD_01-3_Hu7M/s640/silfra+snorkeling+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ha! I bet you knew that Iceland would actually top the list of my favourite travel moments <span style="font-size: x-small;">SSHHH IT'S MY LIST, I DO WHAT I WANT</span>.<br />
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But really, how many people do you know can say that <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/iceland-2015-day-8-snorkelling-in.html" target="_blank">they've swam in between (and touched!) the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates</a>? (Okay probably a lot, sshhh shut up and let me have my moment.) This activity is up there in the "<i>Things I didn't know I wanted in a bucket list but is totally one now</i>" list I now have in my head.<br />
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2. Celebrating a friend's hen night in Krabi</h4>
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Yeah, <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/krabi-2015-carls-hens-night.html" target="_blank">a hen's night in Thailand</a> sounds totally cliche, I know, but that doesn't mean it's not as fun! Krabi has so many beautiful beaches to offer, so pick any island hopping tour and you won't ever go wrong! </div>
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<b>Bonus</b>: Dressing up the bride-to-be in a crown, a sash, and a fancy dress somehow makes the locals think that we're holding a drag queen party - no worries, C, our lips are sealed.</div>
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3. Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland</h4>
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Seeing the Northern Lights with my own eyes has always been at the top of my Bucket List, and the fact that I got to see them on two different occasions when I was in Iceland last year made me feel so blessed. </div>
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<b>Bonus</b>: Stargazing in Iceland is another activity going into my "<i>Things I didn't know I wanted in a bucket list but is totally one now</i>" list. Seriously, the skies are so clear and beautiful - never change, please, Iceland.</div>
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4. Glacier hike & ice caving at Vatnajökull</h4>
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I'm sorry, I swear this will be the last Iceland-related item on the list!<br />
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But seriously, I can't leave out this activity when talking about my favourite travel moments. Regardless of the fact that this was also <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-7-ice-caving.html" target="_blank">the moment my dad's GoPro decided to take a plunge of death into a 20m deep ice cave</a>, I'm glad I caved in (ha, geddit) and booked this activity with Arctic Adventures. Not only did I experience trekking on an actual glacier, I also got to go into an ice cave! Here's to another addition to the "<i>Things I didn't know I wanted in a bucket list but is totally one now</i>" list. (I swear this list was only formed when I got to Iceland because I didn't know it could offer me so many unique things to experience!)<br />
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5. Meeting old friend and new friends at the Sakamoto Maaya's 20th Live</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBmHxZez0qQq4AmF-zUdsacT2KtSkXqgObFerQfu7C3SkcEeSJ23pywQIE7SYCAJKhJjQIIltyJvSwyOVkRMzWArMctYFbqgSdxxauUQQQE-LL5mJJfr0eMfZcBaDl7PZEWbVpR2qAKo/s1600/group+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBmHxZez0qQq4AmF-zUdsacT2KtSkXqgObFerQfu7C3SkcEeSJ23pywQIE7SYCAJKhJjQIIltyJvSwyOVkRMzWArMctYFbqgSdxxauUQQQE-LL5mJJfr0eMfZcBaDl7PZEWbVpR2qAKo/s640/group+pic+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: JKTrix on the Maayas.net forum</td></tr>
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Never would I imagine that I would finally get to see Maaya and YK (the legend that she is) live in 2015 - it was definitely something that would forever be imprinted onto my brain because it such a momentous moment.<br />
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But to be honest, my favourite travel moment would be meeting my longtime e-pal Eeps as well as meeting new friends at this concert! These were all the people I've only recognized as usernames on the internet previously - it's kind of amazing to think how the internet has kind of ruled our interaction with each other and how this event has somehow brought us all together at one place at this specific point of time.<br />
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6. Meeting new friends in Iceland</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu5PQe4rsFxWNOQFM-w694hyphenhyphenPY4cIDzgPuE-Ar6VH54X-WWJ4Lhig-S5s5Pdm4A9lzknPN8jIhD75tIpWL4SSGR0E8EUdqjcpFxJ99vgxBWGYYAUtoGF2XcUsAgqQrBP777yTcdCauQk/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu5PQe4rsFxWNOQFM-w694hyphenhyphenPY4cIDzgPuE-Ar6VH54X-WWJ4Lhig-S5s5Pdm4A9lzknPN8jIhD75tIpWL4SSGR0E8EUdqjcpFxJ99vgxBWGYYAUtoGF2XcUsAgqQrBP777yTcdCauQk/s640/IMG_1752.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Anis BLA ;)</td></tr>
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Speaking of new friends, can't forget to give a shoutout to my favourite BLA travel buddies for putting up with me throughout the whole week - through sickness and health, literally :P Truly they're the best kind of people you will meet while travelling.<br />
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7. #UGretreat at Lombok & Gili Islands</h4>
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As far as last minute decisions go, this was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. We were a couple of underground tunnelling & station engineers who thought it was time to finally take a vacation together - and the fact that we managed to pull off <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/lombok-2015-lombok-gili-trawangan-gili.html" target="_blank">a vacation in Lombok & Gili islands</a> was nothing short of amazing, considering everyone's busy schedules and different conditions at the time of travel. (I mean, two women were pregnant, one couple brought their child(ren) together, three people had to shorten their stay because of insufficient leave days, so :P)<br />
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Here's to a reunion trip, #genglombok!<br />
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8. The windy walk along the Marken coastline</h4>
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For me, Marken honestly outshone Amsterdam for my favourite Netherlands destination (for now), mostly due to the <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-edam-marken.html" target="_blank">beautiful sceneries, wonderful houses, the Marken Lighthouse, the chips (the chips!!!), and of course the coastal walking path</a>.<br />
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So that's it for my 2015 travel moments! Here's to another awesome year - bring it on, 2016!<br />
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What's <i>your</i> personal favourite travel moments? </div>
Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-11111792250710259862016-02-01T17:03:00.000+08:002016-02-05T16:19:20.784+08:00[NETHERLANDS 2015] Edam & Marken<div style="text-align: center;">
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On my last day in the Netherlands, I decided to visit Edam and Marken. Commonly known as the Waterland area, Edam, Volendam and Marken are often visited together in a day tour. You can get a Waterland Day Ticket to visit these 3 places, which was what I did since it enables you to take the trains in Amsterdam as well as the public buses.<br />
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There are options of following a tour to the Waterland area, but instead of following a tour, I decided to just take the bus to visit Edam and Marken because these two places sounds like the kind of places I'd love to visit. I skipped Volendam on this visit since it sounded a bit too touristy for my taste (nothing wrong in it being touristy, I just thought it wasn't for me).<br />
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Be sure to make note of the bus schedules as well as the bus numbers - there are apps shows you which bus goes where as well as their respective timings, which will be useful. When in doubt, just ask the drivers as they are super helpful :) (Plus the bus stops are super confusing for me for some reason.) One of the bus driver even stopped the bus to let me know that I should get off at this particular station because I've missed my previous stop - if he didn't let me know, I'm pretty sure I would've just gone back on the bus back to Amsterdam lol.<br />
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The visit to these two places definitely exceeded my expectation - I can go so far to say that in terms of the landscapes, I much prefer the Waterland area compared to Amsterdam. (In terms of attractions though, Amsterdam still wins.) Highly recommended if you have an extra day or two and you're a bit bored of Amsterdam.<br />
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<u>Edam</u></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg2VbShUrlljtKYRAhXgltRQOtWay1Li0eL-xeCyNSXusRWZTfhKAmIP-o1Ht0SJGrHm85wRbT_Dgo4nJbjX-wviPuFjl5htIaEjueowI7LA5596i1CtL1i9ZfZrY5lin1bkAMtONlOg/s1600/SAM_5647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg2VbShUrlljtKYRAhXgltRQOtWay1Li0eL-xeCyNSXusRWZTfhKAmIP-o1Ht0SJGrHm85wRbT_Dgo4nJbjX-wviPuFjl5htIaEjueowI7LA5596i1CtL1i9ZfZrY5lin1bkAMtONlOg/s640/SAM_5647.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is the bus platforms at Edam where you would wait for your respective buses</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr8Xyer_ok8josN9UZR8P4rvxLmapVi26vGEouKsDnLMG6_gzQQYdOkzE5_hxfYkTG8qzmWtD0L1deENmuMHpbsRlXiJ9FBpnXz6dLxVfZaHjjPpCMrazki9dhaO0FpslxzeqE1Y5pjE/s1600/SAM_5586.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr8Xyer_ok8josN9UZR8P4rvxLmapVi26vGEouKsDnLMG6_gzQQYdOkzE5_hxfYkTG8qzmWtD0L1deENmuMHpbsRlXiJ9FBpnXz6dLxVfZaHjjPpCMrazki9dhaO0FpslxzeqE1Y5pjE/s640/SAM_5586.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFYu5mjoz6t3B6QjHnI2y5ixBuRkyPY4QfFV6fZzKm2dxHebV0vKeenQ9Kn4q3vjWPwYPtF5-O3dWUS1xW6MhpV-Lo7UtRXlP0vbcIUyuVLR9UX63-YdXC0lfpJY8e7G9ZZYA76CsiNA/s1600/SAM_5584.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFYu5mjoz6t3B6QjHnI2y5ixBuRkyPY4QfFV6fZzKm2dxHebV0vKeenQ9Kn4q3vjWPwYPtF5-O3dWUS1xW6MhpV-Lo7UtRXlP0vbcIUyuVLR9UX63-YdXC0lfpJY8e7G9ZZYA76CsiNA/s640/SAM_5584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5micFMOkW5LwHaDp-maf0WJm65ByYPPqM0nNZGFIOP5OeBsyQKl8auw7URQITo6hVpx1zcsO1WxeBt2ChHAJJHkGgQQEFdfuz44IqJsrW2Vt0BukKv53Jl8vHl_amIRK_YdgL_YIj4lE/s1600/gopr1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5micFMOkW5LwHaDp-maf0WJm65ByYPPqM0nNZGFIOP5OeBsyQKl8auw7URQITo6hVpx1zcsO1WxeBt2ChHAJJHkGgQQEFdfuz44IqJsrW2Vt0BukKv53Jl8vHl_amIRK_YdgL_YIj4lE/s640/gopr1460.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2VIaZePHlTIZx5WdwEjWBgGAdoakVlVZsOxpqm4RqX38DIMkVJLd1iQJ7Vh7KSJiyir_JbMyfwlTv1AgMFI8_yQgGB2PSd90TwDFUWL0EUaEifTZmcEU9ExHpQ9mZcEimBTY4t320Hg/s1600/SAM_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2VIaZePHlTIZx5WdwEjWBgGAdoakVlVZsOxpqm4RqX38DIMkVJLd1iQJ7Vh7KSJiyir_JbMyfwlTv1AgMFI8_yQgGB2PSd90TwDFUWL0EUaEifTZmcEU9ExHpQ9mZcEimBTY4t320Hg/s640/SAM_5643.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude, where do I sign up for the house-and-boat-package?</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH-XdKw91C3nmJyxZcaFrk3P1-FgDcaEXjPb2cYnZbe91z8A61lKmTDYYJOwljE7xIa0LmxF7fgKcdf6BhDLU0clKQIJ1kV0M36pMzC14B_c3faoWjv2yZXgT9ho7VaBe9murdVJ9Efs/s1600/SAM_5632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH-XdKw91C3nmJyxZcaFrk3P1-FgDcaEXjPb2cYnZbe91z8A61lKmTDYYJOwljE7xIa0LmxF7fgKcdf6BhDLU0clKQIJ1kV0M36pMzC14B_c3faoWjv2yZXgT9ho7VaBe9murdVJ9Efs/s640/SAM_5632.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, it seems like everyone has a boat???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-DzH8eF1a6da-IwBSHs-0jZwZ298WjoOjOuL0Z8jFMpngEkWGGJjb8pzwc8iV-VSbfrBMjCIQuxf3XJyPOo21P1KAM8WtiLjqHZVZ8-Mvj1EVVa0p7ePGKt_ft1OQch7Jp8ZEAM6yRg/s1600/SAM_5625.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-DzH8eF1a6da-IwBSHs-0jZwZ298WjoOjOuL0Z8jFMpngEkWGGJjb8pzwc8iV-VSbfrBMjCIQuxf3XJyPOo21P1KAM8WtiLjqHZVZ8-Mvj1EVVa0p7ePGKt_ft1OQch7Jp8ZEAM6yRg/s640/SAM_5625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqKVtOg4Ikf2zngUeL7pvGPFnhaT9HBGFDFwjQYW01klaURZdOuhMml7gZa7h62WvfX_-gXIl3d8LNsgBPtlbHGiTu-HzhhmrHF3q4nR5q-A_ElH5wEwrpW3hfZsS2weoclcuxpx4NBA/s1600/SAM_5618.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqKVtOg4Ikf2zngUeL7pvGPFnhaT9HBGFDFwjQYW01klaURZdOuhMml7gZa7h62WvfX_-gXIl3d8LNsgBPtlbHGiTu-HzhhmrHF3q4nR5q-A_ElH5wEwrpW3hfZsS2weoclcuxpx4NBA/s640/SAM_5618.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rEkTDt_nd9a_cE4ysCO_L9E3aPrJdZBInEoXLU7LCkgrIzszXjUaMrwZncyeyIYT7pvEpk-iYb_Pr4uWIkll1k-ozwhYhHtAQao2CEq2v-ThkOOHKHuZq7WWQJuT_WaBdDAw73GujAE/s1600/SAM_5615.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rEkTDt_nd9a_cE4ysCO_L9E3aPrJdZBInEoXLU7LCkgrIzszXjUaMrwZncyeyIYT7pvEpk-iYb_Pr4uWIkll1k-ozwhYhHtAQao2CEq2v-ThkOOHKHuZq7WWQJuT_WaBdDAw73GujAE/s640/SAM_5615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A-_dFamMEHfNeEmgNzySgAulh_msHOwA9vHBN0GyiKqgnACsyC-FuP5QquTMGShp42jPfNDdNDubyLuXnjS7MGo_8ZZ7OILoPiZ5Qmwsb-YH4HEp384oiVLq0se8kEYZnuG0YIGSMyQ/s1600/SAM_5610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7A-_dFamMEHfNeEmgNzySgAulh_msHOwA9vHBN0GyiKqgnACsyC-FuP5QquTMGShp42jPfNDdNDubyLuXnjS7MGo_8ZZ7OILoPiZ5Qmwsb-YH4HEp384oiVLq0se8kEYZnuG0YIGSMyQ/s640/SAM_5610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmVBMN1DYiWq_G2ius7EMy3AK4OEbglGG5k04WMsYE8GnSozrLkLRUZVzCVUAExirFseWmMiz7MZceKktHlluLk4LGGDE5MzyDfrjTs6iGhDnCu91ccsCIcjVSPxYcGKUKXtK-cZMUXg/s1600/gopr1465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmVBMN1DYiWq_G2ius7EMy3AK4OEbglGG5k04WMsYE8GnSozrLkLRUZVzCVUAExirFseWmMiz7MZceKktHlluLk4LGGDE5MzyDfrjTs6iGhDnCu91ccsCIcjVSPxYcGKUKXtK-cZMUXg/s640/gopr1465.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory selfie</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyyLeKBKR0mckSZztotiHKf_Pio-cZrNuMhkQAEywYgTQOAKxIiGo84rAkS6EqiM_5yHQ7b5_2G4dX3ixJ4tb6m2ASiaBgdOFltsfVBrCkrOvQHkvdOLandngRjPb9Ny-4Ppir6OIXNA/s1600/SAM_5603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyyLeKBKR0mckSZztotiHKf_Pio-cZrNuMhkQAEywYgTQOAKxIiGo84rAkS6EqiM_5yHQ7b5_2G4dX3ixJ4tb6m2ASiaBgdOFltsfVBrCkrOvQHkvdOLandngRjPb9Ny-4Ppir6OIXNA/s640/SAM_5603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is similar to Amsterdam, non?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95IsAcBoBCOCvy7WMHbpUNrKcXe32i3gzVOjM6uvC_c4_q0jjvo-v-DZRtCzXpEjnx4Qzms4pdzsTNgjxVjgI3KNOk9XCfqqOJGkpXc42kHeOi5zah7-G7gc3aJJ0kMotAV9jAS61ICc/s1600/SAM_5600.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95IsAcBoBCOCvy7WMHbpUNrKcXe32i3gzVOjM6uvC_c4_q0jjvo-v-DZRtCzXpEjnx4Qzms4pdzsTNgjxVjgI3KNOk9XCfqqOJGkpXc42kHeOi5zah7-G7gc3aJJ0kMotAV9jAS61ICc/s640/SAM_5600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vErqC8uEaczyyjwOryRimaVFDzkOA8o-W8Ak1mFo0vu01vcU3EUf7wMwXaqwfg7Xn4G0zR9DhnD4sROMkD_x3fvvLLhm1NAZuyOHFe4f9-J3pxUg6WK8WyP0SsqRurS-OTNQZnbTGVQ/s1600/SAM_5599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vErqC8uEaczyyjwOryRimaVFDzkOA8o-W8Ak1mFo0vu01vcU3EUf7wMwXaqwfg7Xn4G0zR9DhnD4sROMkD_x3fvvLLhm1NAZuyOHFe4f9-J3pxUg6WK8WyP0SsqRurS-OTNQZnbTGVQ/s640/SAM_5599.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's ready for Christmas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
<b><u>Marken</u></b></h4>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
Having had my fill of Edam, I then made my way to Marken. Marken is my favourite place out of the two, hands-down! Marken gives you the impressions of a rustic countryside living, and the walk around the area is my favourite - they even have a walking path along the coastline! Can you imagine having a daily morning walk along the coast? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaTWP0zGZkF7NDKCJYcdUMDAafx9DsCBHGlZnkadHCaIWQW_OTgvn63Sh7FxVOXiseE4y-19-snwId2fN5t-Tlf9JEelW4_ddvYMUCArTsJbbxXQaq2ckfVOPL4Uhy-ViX50HOwmmREY/s1600/SAM_5671.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaTWP0zGZkF7NDKCJYcdUMDAafx9DsCBHGlZnkadHCaIWQW_OTgvn63Sh7FxVOXiseE4y-19-snwId2fN5t-Tlf9JEelW4_ddvYMUCArTsJbbxXQaq2ckfVOPL4Uhy-ViX50HOwmmREY/s640/SAM_5671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBb1c8Yarj62W5f4RQcDr61kOU2rqeWtHjF8nhX7W-H3pJr0xJevDVNaqsQkUk9GnheIgYbOKfojNEPtYoV1TXD0Nr2VaL2WdT_LwqJouYLt0ZxlSD1FgEJRMZ7IzhJ2BSosYROyOJlY/s1600/SAM_5657.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBb1c8Yarj62W5f4RQcDr61kOU2rqeWtHjF8nhX7W-H3pJr0xJevDVNaqsQkUk9GnheIgYbOKfojNEPtYoV1TXD0Nr2VaL2WdT_LwqJouYLt0ZxlSD1FgEJRMZ7IzhJ2BSosYROyOJlY/s640/SAM_5657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p1CGDzUxAPr2FRVSpAgBlhBWgWpWRwnZC_qr0y1h9H8TNjWV7UmVvRCo-Fsl3YxQt1FonhBLsMRLzedXGmADePLErTxdUdE7F1x3Xq_gei1BBj74WvEnn8iaP8nY0gg6E0pVSTa6o6c/s1600/SAM_5648.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p1CGDzUxAPr2FRVSpAgBlhBWgWpWRwnZC_qr0y1h9H8TNjWV7UmVvRCo-Fsl3YxQt1FonhBLsMRLzedXGmADePLErTxdUdE7F1x3Xq_gei1BBj74WvEnn8iaP8nY0gg6E0pVSTa6o6c/s640/SAM_5648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70NEnfnknnWqIQ4fQZndW7y0X7bL6-IunuwgxpuR7xsbURNKbdR7Im58un1tIvTxDT9HxGp_DSCN-d5Hi-8N3S_8rU-EnQW5bL6Ff59hMYVl5vwg2nOB9i2kPoar75WGYcIz38ToOYlY/s1600/SAM_5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70NEnfnknnWqIQ4fQZndW7y0X7bL6-IunuwgxpuR7xsbURNKbdR7Im58un1tIvTxDT9HxGp_DSCN-d5Hi-8N3S_8rU-EnQW5bL6Ff59hMYVl5vwg2nOB9i2kPoar75WGYcIz38ToOYlY/s640/SAM_5667.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had chips at the above building, which is actually a restaurant!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMuV9OAV2l30bFK0HbBQc2r9Cv8CA581JF5OLpAFPJi0HdDb4W8DQX4M18htc-VoT59F2a7Bm4UQf8MMUedgNoizIdsInrddm5KrxYTu4LPOH9zAr6Id8SObxqQjU9VFfvJ5IWxPoU9A/s1600/SAM_5665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMuV9OAV2l30bFK0HbBQc2r9Cv8CA581JF5OLpAFPJi0HdDb4W8DQX4M18htc-VoT59F2a7Bm4UQf8MMUedgNoizIdsInrddm5KrxYTu4LPOH9zAr6Id8SObxqQjU9VFfvJ5IWxPoU9A/s640/SAM_5665.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These chips are seriously THE BEST THING EVER especially during winter, with the mayonnaise and all <3 Also, I have a bad eating habit whenever I travel alone, and this was my breakfast and lunch. Yeah I know, I'm trying to work on that. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4DqRd2MvncxtQflpZVzPlCr4ZH3f_GRwdPBt1HFg0xbQPP_8pI-d4Mbmp3YecH0qHd5_yJVBoMFPHCJUPNe1OkUWFr3N0E_wMFcNyxu5T-AMTM3AxfAAw51qesDpTp-hxl0TyFnvyD4/s1600/SAM_5664.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4DqRd2MvncxtQflpZVzPlCr4ZH3f_GRwdPBt1HFg0xbQPP_8pI-d4Mbmp3YecH0qHd5_yJVBoMFPHCJUPNe1OkUWFr3N0E_wMFcNyxu5T-AMTM3AxfAAw51qesDpTp-hxl0TyFnvyD4/s640/SAM_5664.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I took a stroll around the Marken area trying to find the infamous Marken Lighthouse (you can call it getting lost, but again, it doesn't sound as nice).<br />
<br />
While I was in Edam & Marken, I noticed that people were really friendly - most of the people I encountered would smile, but some would even go a step up and give you a friendly "hello" with a 1000kW smile. I was infected to follow their way while I was in Edam & Marken and just smiled like a fool and said "hello" to every stranger I passed by - you don't get that kind of friendliness in Amsterdam, that's for sure. (Plus, it would be pretty tiring to do it in Amsterdam, the city with the densest population in the world!)<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRumKhhqTcCUqMuO32fbLfwa9qWmQWrWqnocF_0Hz0lEP01Bs1rVV99hVnTUMcsF_PlS-Z4anna35TZeWbd_cV-xvwNhNpYk3xb-wxqFCdStXvWfR6iG8DJmBuQN1oeD7Nc-RalTz8eq8/s1600/SAM_5672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRumKhhqTcCUqMuO32fbLfwa9qWmQWrWqnocF_0Hz0lEP01Bs1rVV99hVnTUMcsF_PlS-Z4anna35TZeWbd_cV-xvwNhNpYk3xb-wxqFCdStXvWfR6iG8DJmBuQN1oeD7Nc-RalTz8eq8/s640/SAM_5672.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know that Robert Frost poem about the road less taken? Yeah, that poem aptly described my situation in this case.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianeqpdl_bPZhMUu3ctwjJdf-O_PiwXrshd8ri41ISrQg7HBzXOVUOUMoHLQXebgbSqhozYzeXgR0uT1ujvBJo4eKDh6nWavdLaP1RmitguQ3Rf0EpjQZCSFeEM3x8Dm_yg0UN00lbDvo/s1600/SAM_5673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianeqpdl_bPZhMUu3ctwjJdf-O_PiwXrshd8ri41ISrQg7HBzXOVUOUMoHLQXebgbSqhozYzeXgR0uT1ujvBJo4eKDh6nWavdLaP1RmitguQ3Rf0EpjQZCSFeEM3x8Dm_yg0UN00lbDvo/s640/SAM_5673.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm preetttyy sure I'm trespassing across someone's farmland... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPCoeB3BnPj8q-H_ZaMZrrUrSNOT9x8Wu5kvh08rDAB60O1fq2cI5-RkEroAPAlX7511AP5tSiMAdCRjWh6TU7szl8AGtoeynRqu82Kn-5NZjG7Dex9JKGmjjz1x3vCheGLh-UP4i1iI/s1600/SAM_5687.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPCoeB3BnPj8q-H_ZaMZrrUrSNOT9x8Wu5kvh08rDAB60O1fq2cI5-RkEroAPAlX7511AP5tSiMAdCRjWh6TU7szl8AGtoeynRqu82Kn-5NZjG7Dex9JKGmjjz1x3vCheGLh-UP4i1iI/s640/SAM_5687.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5FI8I03_YE942UVbU97Lo1X31VNfY-102Wos7ne5_H3ZE9AIfIL2t1WwFTvKkEhSeGkzBwxa3OlZno_HXAfUdgmcPj3-lO7xQs8zms-MGNJYMh5_5hDKhTo8FE4CUmp2BqpGaSl6zbY/s1600/SAM_5691.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5FI8I03_YE942UVbU97Lo1X31VNfY-102Wos7ne5_H3ZE9AIfIL2t1WwFTvKkEhSeGkzBwxa3OlZno_HXAfUdgmcPj3-lO7xQs8zms-MGNJYMh5_5hDKhTo8FE4CUmp2BqpGaSl6zbY/s640/SAM_5691.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NHrh9h7SWrCLHd6rCmJpAVHBFp2QLwyKWJVxpXPdfQkhLQthtz4D9hocWVgl0kPm0l0nHFbywEUtPT7RNYurrYngmki6Jlulv0k4czwTF4M0_OTPiikXhMd9SY9vEAEn0tNBCJu09O8/s1600/SAM_5692.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NHrh9h7SWrCLHd6rCmJpAVHBFp2QLwyKWJVxpXPdfQkhLQthtz4D9hocWVgl0kPm0l0nHFbywEUtPT7RNYurrYngmki6Jlulv0k4czwTF4M0_OTPiikXhMd9SY9vEAEn0tNBCJu09O8/s640/SAM_5692.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ahhhh, at last, the light at the end of the metaphorical tunnel! After a 30-minutes walk through someone's farmland probably (sorry I was accidentally trespassing!) I finally saw the silhouette of the Marken Lighthouse.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZAk3uPeGt06fi7vEA_4eYKpNdw1_RO7etR_Ulw5t2hs-QuydqvL8mMNSyi80LyXmAT253ZxT8ePddUiTnjz4WIwRhJrWfHND08nacn92AspLHq0HBmQlcgyfgjXODLjuK2jlRwOjgek/s1600/SAM_5698.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZAk3uPeGt06fi7vEA_4eYKpNdw1_RO7etR_Ulw5t2hs-QuydqvL8mMNSyi80LyXmAT253ZxT8ePddUiTnjz4WIwRhJrWfHND08nacn92AspLHq0HBmQlcgyfgjXODLjuK2jlRwOjgek/s640/SAM_5698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxSWY8pw5tjBve6V5QuXQE4_f3LCWKEWmkatWokGJZygHeZJAUM3jUdTSGVke2F4FoRYdVT-vJXWZuJ72WZivF8CZB49_85S_dEA53ishBQpXPvSrtT9Yb9lJvfi7VxpquynA-WI7nwA/s1600/SAM_5710.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxSWY8pw5tjBve6V5QuXQE4_f3LCWKEWmkatWokGJZygHeZJAUM3jUdTSGVke2F4FoRYdVT-vJXWZuJ72WZivF8CZB49_85S_dEA53ishBQpXPvSrtT9Yb9lJvfi7VxpquynA-WI7nwA/s640/SAM_5710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqZw205TtA6D2d5uZPmtqjcm5X2wOh5wieMa3ND6RqCWsgWAa15kcbsDaDkUWT5HiXo8_XhtbUmccWEz-XHzuZpLbANwMCvDay3Yc8EnYjiGLxZW9TLgHowqtZZFbEvUAZ2XquMfRff4/s1600/SAM_5699.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqZw205TtA6D2d5uZPmtqjcm5X2wOh5wieMa3ND6RqCWsgWAa15kcbsDaDkUWT5HiXo8_XhtbUmccWEz-XHzuZpLbANwMCvDay3Yc8EnYjiGLxZW9TLgHowqtZZFbEvUAZ2XquMfRff4/s640/SAM_5699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP0E-UyYI2cfSMbJiQfgmioNKkrybriI60P7C0G_JIoypEgZLU9vbGtc_elJWIk5fpLDQ2tyD8XVGP88LdHdblz8H0Dfcl-KKjrPhEvsLDHQD4BsLieqW11ATG3An5iVWyIT3dbA2Hbo/s1600/gopr1493.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP0E-UyYI2cfSMbJiQfgmioNKkrybriI60P7C0G_JIoypEgZLU9vbGtc_elJWIk5fpLDQ2tyD8XVGP88LdHdblz8H0Dfcl-KKjrPhEvsLDHQD4BsLieqW11ATG3An5iVWyIT3dbA2Hbo/s640/gopr1493.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORGBeZbv-2iUXRQvb3p1UZa6_ZyTX7xD1eGXbQc2zJOde7Y609Uc1fZDxeU-TLmARClAbwxh5t1yWmMdJ7wmdDZFbkyh0fWg_4gXaFQelkVxR69zF7xYfepbQSYvsenTfCJYAYGV2hus/s1600/gopr1485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORGBeZbv-2iUXRQvb3p1UZa6_ZyTX7xD1eGXbQc2zJOde7Y609Uc1fZDxeU-TLmARClAbwxh5t1yWmMdJ7wmdDZFbkyh0fWg_4gXaFQelkVxR69zF7xYfepbQSYvsenTfCJYAYGV2hus/s640/gopr1485.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk along the coastline was suuuuper windy! I loved it, except it was also super freezing lol.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFCSO2qBMLI9q-jhhDbFosKAL2xCogS3EfRUq-58G2UmNIrV6QoDGrsKRVm7iR2j98cWaO0FgqvrXrrnfcBMkSomXZ-3zXF0fHGZ6c-s9G4nAOzPw9ppYwQnYb32-uWO110hlG0AHCWs/s1600/SAM_5697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFCSO2qBMLI9q-jhhDbFosKAL2xCogS3EfRUq-58G2UmNIrV6QoDGrsKRVm7iR2j98cWaO0FgqvrXrrnfcBMkSomXZ-3zXF0fHGZ6c-s9G4nAOzPw9ppYwQnYb32-uWO110hlG0AHCWs/s640/SAM_5697.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am in love with the coastlines in Marken.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUk5mQGwNIGEunQJnIb988OLyJgfxDyfOHgKXYLyhJyZ3AaYVf-dN34hBZ-8kuPIcE2oelJ_I1MfX8iXN8nxkfGWYQQVv1Pr8jmt7YpeW_rKiOASEfWkGYiaZyu0-436RwN3FcInk6C8/s1600/SAM_5700.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUk5mQGwNIGEunQJnIb988OLyJgfxDyfOHgKXYLyhJyZ3AaYVf-dN34hBZ-8kuPIcE2oelJ_I1MfX8iXN8nxkfGWYQQVv1Pr8jmt7YpeW_rKiOASEfWkGYiaZyu0-436RwN3FcInk6C8/s640/SAM_5700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop6EoTSRphXFRXYGmAI4sV97A_f0yKk4u0LaA828NO823cmliXmnijgx1xUf6k4J620xpA7l7_QefceB0BpYHrj2qIVdi8vsVn5s2r8mzj5lCkQs7X2G-x-Ts9P2K8gQNwizRtfEdZqs/s1600/SAM_5729.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop6EoTSRphXFRXYGmAI4sV97A_f0yKk4u0LaA828NO823cmliXmnijgx1xUf6k4J620xpA7l7_QefceB0BpYHrj2qIVdi8vsVn5s2r8mzj5lCkQs7X2G-x-Ts9P2K8gQNwizRtfEdZqs/s640/SAM_5729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpikiH3UOEl6nxA_iVDp9F7DwoAtKgW46Ao76Ui6E58N_ke08mI_xRAvWGthj3UOgFR7tVDlshoiOqJ9oxXBac1fL5DJVC2QTCv1hSJIADAtt81TjWp9RNwhzx980YIsZxp8TaKOrJ9Gk/s1600/SAM_5722.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpikiH3UOEl6nxA_iVDp9F7DwoAtKgW46Ao76Ui6E58N_ke08mI_xRAvWGthj3UOgFR7tVDlshoiOqJ9oxXBac1fL5DJVC2QTCv1hSJIADAtt81TjWp9RNwhzx980YIsZxp8TaKOrJ9Gk/s640/SAM_5722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
After a satisfying day, I went back to Amsterdam for a last stroll around the area before I had to make my way to the airport and back to Malaysia.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktCL6PO9pjS79Pyr03LItTvBqatNAFrj0i5peIr4pwudN7vJ9yeWPCQexZzL4vgr2pUSypCWMDaZAo5jfKkB3-VEqnA3_l-S77VxKO9y8gFBKDONXURM8vE3W6Cw2pe_m4vHdWJYVTZk/s1600/SAM_5740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktCL6PO9pjS79Pyr03LItTvBqatNAFrj0i5peIr4pwudN7vJ9yeWPCQexZzL4vgr2pUSypCWMDaZAo5jfKkB3-VEqnA3_l-S77VxKO9y8gFBKDONXURM8vE3W6Cw2pe_m4vHdWJYVTZk/s640/SAM_5740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last lunch-as-dinner in Amsterdam - halal kebab! This was seriously delicious. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
Goodbye Amsterdam, you've been kind to me! </div>
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<div>
Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-amsterdam.html">[Netherlands 2015] Amsterdam</a></div>
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<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-37545362506946788402016-02-01T17:00:00.000+08:002016-02-05T16:15:30.696+08:00[NETHERLANDS 2015] Amsterdam<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2zT7WNlqm3DNdt2u27ZT6lnAiMKwzmxMPA-MiceXqkFgagU3PfoybDWq6llPiOZWtV1rRHG143NuVeudEOkSQCkPGv3RfZQQ6gq4CDch9iQODlQU6PhnJf9QJfoG6LX9OJJjKn0RS2w/s1600/gopr1430.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2zT7WNlqm3DNdt2u27ZT6lnAiMKwzmxMPA-MiceXqkFgagU3PfoybDWq6llPiOZWtV1rRHG143NuVeudEOkSQCkPGv3RfZQQ6gq4CDch9iQODlQU6PhnJf9QJfoG6LX9OJJjKn0RS2w/s640/gopr1430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took advantage of the transit flight in Amsterdam to extend my stay there for 4 days, since my flight ticket was expensive anyway so might as well make the best of it! KLM was kind enough to accommodate with my many travel needs (such as changing my flights twice lol). </div>
<div>
<br />
After saying goodbye to Iceland, I made my way to Amsterdam.<br />
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I checked into <a href="https://qbichotels.com/amsterdam-wtc/" target="_blank">Qbic Hotel</a>, which is situated in the WTC area, about a 2-minute walk from the Amtersdam-Zuid Station. A pretty reasonably-priced hotel (with interesting "design" choices - such as the omission of a bath / toilet door), free wi-fi, super close to the train station which makes it easy to get to the Amsterdam city center, and the WTC buildings houses some restaurants which are worth looking at (there's a Wagamama chain here, which I didn't try, but many have recommended the restaurant).<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1gWP3mQyCPAqNRznGOwoIGHvgayGyWlIigR-yfPKX-ackpnpIX1tSgbNzWTdD-bg0nWO0z-8YcAgQ6oTD3e6YFIdQrae8ZjDoWYylxgZrDWpuFM844fsfg9lKTRpqwMB_3qUDFJ73pg/s1600/gopr1412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1gWP3mQyCPAqNRznGOwoIGHvgayGyWlIigR-yfPKX-ackpnpIX1tSgbNzWTdD-bg0nWO0z-8YcAgQ6oTD3e6YFIdQrae8ZjDoWYylxgZrDWpuFM844fsfg9lKTRpqwMB_3qUDFJ73pg/s640/gopr1412.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right, there is no door separating the toilet and the bedroom. Not a problem for solo travellers like me, but a problem for couples probably :P For the price, I'm not complaining! And I've been told the hotel is supposedly looking into this issue.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLcx2EjsO2H-rtQDHbadWk2TKNfL4zoXgvP7ebjlDXoUer4Ru_NmRAhseKw1qIPxSVKnPYSFa-E6QKaw_UiKda6X3EZebcULiYlxAWlqYN429geSKEuMpbC08pxiqq3W2UBSWlrywr38/s1600/gopr1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLcx2EjsO2H-rtQDHbadWk2TKNfL4zoXgvP7ebjlDXoUer4Ru_NmRAhseKw1qIPxSVKnPYSFa-E6QKaw_UiKda6X3EZebcULiYlxAWlqYN429geSKEuMpbC08pxiqq3W2UBSWlrywr38/s640/gopr1411.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only complaint was that there was no water kettle. Otherwise this place is pretty awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first few days in Amsterdam was pretty gloomy - I was spoilt from the excellent Iceland weather I've had for the last three days, so my spirits were pretty dampened by the weather welcoming me in Amsterdam. Still, I was there, so I made the best of it.<br />
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On the first day there, I visited the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum - bought my tickets at the Visitor's Center outside of Centraal Station since I didn't want to line up outside the museums.<br />
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The <b>Van Gogh Museum</b> was truly worth the visit - I'm not a an art expert, merely an art lover, but I've always felt some sort of empathy for Van Gogh's story as well as his paintings. During the time I was there, there was also a Munch exhibition ongoing, and there was a parallel to their stories which was really interesting and somewhat sad - to think that such similar men with heartbreaking stories of their own and yet never had the chance to meet each other. The museum had most of Van Gogh's famous works there and more importantly his life story - probably one of the greater tributes to Van Gogh imho.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGna6U0K8SOCbXWui-Djjs7xGbkW8Tj1ocWx-bolRjPoql-z6t6WIVkcRMHp2EmT1MGXNYZJDa2hhs_vwbe0eMZ-a0SjBpJmCPOD0zwP8THk5xm621fjUsxWiaP6tXT1z5WZrf_89dGk/s1600/SAM_5517.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGna6U0K8SOCbXWui-Djjs7xGbkW8Tj1ocWx-bolRjPoql-z6t6WIVkcRMHp2EmT1MGXNYZJDa2hhs_vwbe0eMZ-a0SjBpJmCPOD0zwP8THk5xm621fjUsxWiaP6tXT1z5WZrf_89dGk/s640/SAM_5517.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuSOomQW7_GI3OfnGdkyKZ1VbrD4eI6JaewCWk3dpS1zARJGgBNEGn5l4ElYvUvrjECE2EuBbDCu68_XS3ULVHJgGjmUuanxv09Y8U71BSr1i_mJE0ltes1GLTcDvpdyNUnLSmyQHHdo/s1600/gopr1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuSOomQW7_GI3OfnGdkyKZ1VbrD4eI6JaewCWk3dpS1zARJGgBNEGn5l4ElYvUvrjECE2EuBbDCu68_XS3ULVHJgGjmUuanxv09Y8U71BSr1i_mJE0ltes1GLTcDvpdyNUnLSmyQHHdo/s640/gopr1416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a light breakfast at the cafe in the museum - great ambience, not so great spinach juice (yeah, I know, my fault for picking spinach in the first place instead of normal orange juice, sue me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My next stop was <b>Rijksmuseum</b>, which was <i><b>really huge</b></i>. I had no idea beforehand how huge this place was going to be - I think I only covered maybe 50% of the exhibits because I just didn't have the energy to continue on afterwards lol. Probably it would've been a better idea to have lunch before and dedicate 2-3 hours or even half a day to Rijksmuseum if you're planning to visit.</div>
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The rest of the day was spent just wandering around Amsterdam while trying to find Centraal Station by foot lol (you can call it getting lost, but it doesn't sound as nice).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3djIp69GdUwB9mUjr3FKWHbvi3BwOoqiC_pVpuAjowPQAONMYsJrzrtHsvmU0j7VqKoOQMz0JAYTz1IA6DICUrkWh5IRlpcia7qmGDG-eRntCRXgvLL-Tv8rrqrr1wjqBLhaD920pn6k/s1600/SAM_5524.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3djIp69GdUwB9mUjr3FKWHbvi3BwOoqiC_pVpuAjowPQAONMYsJrzrtHsvmU0j7VqKoOQMz0JAYTz1IA6DICUrkWh5IRlpcia7qmGDG-eRntCRXgvLL-Tv8rrqrr1wjqBLhaD920pn6k/s640/SAM_5524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiNJy_iVO4FhGp2GhV0HqDDYjHWqNVdXyLkK3pImfVXLz1Se2YHK0y8PplJ-H7O96W2yMGSQuKuw3nYlQq8IOLb_N3PN27e3ogNgt4ivi5RfDTXE-a8bCQia5xgAQ99xd0GioReaHjtg/s1600/SAM_5526.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiNJy_iVO4FhGp2GhV0HqDDYjHWqNVdXyLkK3pImfVXLz1Se2YHK0y8PplJ-H7O96W2yMGSQuKuw3nYlQq8IOLb_N3PN27e3ogNgt4ivi5RfDTXE-a8bCQia5xgAQ99xd0GioReaHjtg/s640/SAM_5526.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PJvUkfUS6iW07EMQG-BCIjFdkw1o09AkzIFbadX3fpCr6yw2fGHOx8R2AdbUre6ZAjlbtTrNXzo1fZcc5-XWMfXpbUorVLxeBO-4FuEeNkqxW6xjTKWLWGTiistxOfbYPAv1ELD1rUw/s1600/SAM_5534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PJvUkfUS6iW07EMQG-BCIjFdkw1o09AkzIFbadX3fpCr6yw2fGHOx8R2AdbUre6ZAjlbtTrNXzo1fZcc5-XWMfXpbUorVLxeBO-4FuEeNkqxW6xjTKWLWGTiistxOfbYPAv1ELD1rUw/s640/SAM_5534.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOD IS THIS. WHY IS THIS IN VONDELPARK. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5umRktDr1NvlO8ckVm2PNGxFDBmWOtRBr1B9g1fqSZQBS2GdKdL9ujY83yfg5_BdwBXO7bYuS0oiiYVqotp3PGCJeyE2ZAYBnNXyD5-3UPvv0Mn2wOeq-urltM1qNm0aWwYQoQv_VRpQ/s1600/SAM_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5umRktDr1NvlO8ckVm2PNGxFDBmWOtRBr1B9g1fqSZQBS2GdKdL9ujY83yfg5_BdwBXO7bYuS0oiiYVqotp3PGCJeyE2ZAYBnNXyD5-3UPvv0Mn2wOeq-urltM1qNm0aWwYQoQv_VRpQ/s640/SAM_5535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4IKZOCyvS7hbnaSCdmtes3J5TXFav0CqwXOMY9gZmmM-ytc89B8Gt7SiaBn97ludqb8ZzCOIh_d0x_udiq9s5c9mSVXUEcBreFlOyfeq7Fsv93xxY7R9M2wTImnTUGkFZ4jmfxmt3qQ/s1600/SAM_5556.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4IKZOCyvS7hbnaSCdmtes3J5TXFav0CqwXOMY9gZmmM-ytc89B8Gt7SiaBn97ludqb8ZzCOIh_d0x_udiq9s5c9mSVXUEcBreFlOyfeq7Fsv93xxY7R9M2wTImnTUGkFZ4jmfxmt3qQ/s640/SAM_5556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdPCam_2GIVxKYMkSAihwd2fHeoqrooJrPw_JcB7KXyogMBb7Eo9SOzhPNL1eCMdhyphenhypheniyoFAuGP0q5LN3RmNdZ1GYE9Rd6rYxwZRUrqNhxNjXAiC9Obmg6bEcwXCazAuvw-W2WQA8ly0I/s1600/SAM_5557.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdPCam_2GIVxKYMkSAihwd2fHeoqrooJrPw_JcB7KXyogMBb7Eo9SOzhPNL1eCMdhyphenhypheniyoFAuGP0q5LN3RmNdZ1GYE9Rd6rYxwZRUrqNhxNjXAiC9Obmg6bEcwXCazAuvw-W2WQA8ly0I/s640/SAM_5557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFEZEijHoBe50B4J6wFNf2EUdjjFSBNjCHiH8fWnoLmqXWNnhA3NXI1LTBEVVQdiPeq3E5V00MOwsZa9m7XZpa1DeCo0JBCN4lAi-a1RLTBz2Hkc-aNLxa6MAYLxInUAsTJzj76ks_M4/s1600/SAM_5559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFEZEijHoBe50B4J6wFNf2EUdjjFSBNjCHiH8fWnoLmqXWNnhA3NXI1LTBEVVQdiPeq3E5V00MOwsZa9m7XZpa1DeCo0JBCN4lAi-a1RLTBz2Hkc-aNLxa6MAYLxInUAsTJzj76ks_M4/s640/SAM_5559.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaahh sinful waffles I miss you so</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeu7zCuA6_b5fnYx4b9ueKcFg7gYcy8d4wf6xFZp3GrhIJ24nIhEyJarPrpXxyRIVl90xJSPayKUQXjWHr3FYg_b3ZeH7143P_Ix5ZB260Kn_YVMpWZEZeetKXtm5RYvFC-F2NY7EVTo/s1600/SAM_5561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeu7zCuA6_b5fnYx4b9ueKcFg7gYcy8d4wf6xFZp3GrhIJ24nIhEyJarPrpXxyRIVl90xJSPayKUQXjWHr3FYg_b3ZeH7143P_Ix5ZB260Kn_YVMpWZEZeetKXtm5RYvFC-F2NY7EVTo/s640/SAM_5561.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow I've stumbled upon Chinatown - there was a temple around this area</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lx6zb5tAOiXv6lQfIfGd2Xh2MJ_CLxr1OiOGbLaoPDTUiJl_SPdnUPjtAS-QtyM7LMg1Mte2hC4qkNu_LUBBDVtlg5RihZdbd6TrzS6q2RhqjiLn9EWLBmC2UfqWCSO2aM7PVFk6jOY/s1600/SAM_5562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lx6zb5tAOiXv6lQfIfGd2Xh2MJ_CLxr1OiOGbLaoPDTUiJl_SPdnUPjtAS-QtyM7LMg1Mte2hC4qkNu_LUBBDVtlg5RihZdbd6TrzS6q2RhqjiLn9EWLBmC2UfqWCSO2aM7PVFk6jOY/s640/SAM_5562.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">o hai there Malaysian restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I also booked myself a Free Walking Tour with Sandeman Tour - basically the guide will take you on a walking tour around Amsterdam's main attraction points while telling you all kinds of interesting histories (prostitution, marijuana laws, how the canals are built, etc.) and at the end of the 3-4 hours' tour, you're expected to give them tip based on how you like their tour. Tip generously if you really like your guide, as the commissions are basically their pay!</div>
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An advantage to joining these kind of tours when you're travelling solo is that you make friends along the way :) </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i92zF5jUrAOOaitAjNFQcyzuenFqNE75MSTGwW0nXs-qFU6sYhk456v3taeuKNChTliTO0duqjjF9mvw1bILbqkkyQ5NUKvucAyMAXtj0p5wm1stKzMW6sTz1HvXzpe8cd1aOf4IaTc/s1600/SAM_5570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i92zF5jUrAOOaitAjNFQcyzuenFqNE75MSTGwW0nXs-qFU6sYhk456v3taeuKNChTliTO0duqjjF9mvw1bILbqkkyQ5NUKvucAyMAXtj0p5wm1stKzMW6sTz1HvXzpe8cd1aOf4IaTc/s640/SAM_5570.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our walking tour group</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOCY9ZdWVcVloOH0cv5rq6zMxLEOF64rKbwiwWmaXo6gEjJGu43b3S9hhJtVsSh10zfkUJEdM-vJm70K15uf0f_PvumlMQhYEYBNJn4eIFuvnA5q2pXZRm7UYOXO0MrjeLl9L1iJZTTE/s1600/gopr1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOCY9ZdWVcVloOH0cv5rq6zMxLEOF64rKbwiwWmaXo6gEjJGu43b3S9hhJtVsSh10zfkUJEdM-vJm70K15uf0f_PvumlMQhYEYBNJn4eIFuvnA5q2pXZRm7UYOXO0MrjeLl9L1iJZTTE/s640/gopr1422.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We learned that back in the day, Amsterdam people would be recognized by their trades - so these kind of wall carvings would indicate your profession and would be hanged outside of your house. If I had a house mine would be Nadirah the Travelling-Engineer or Engineering-Traveller or something along that line. Now that's a mouthful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsleVZzBPCZV-GkISa9H9OB-XCnvUATZmA5dl_v9fDa254sT-LEtFpTU0fW8oGihliRJquxZv436AjqRkgXXRXuvVI_3mYNk7aBLcVf5teUexFWJGdFW13LC2kp6Y370a7pKTFl-rJp0/s1600/SAM_5581.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxsleVZzBPCZV-GkISa9H9OB-XCnvUATZmA5dl_v9fDa254sT-LEtFpTU0fW8oGihliRJquxZv436AjqRkgXXRXuvVI_3mYNk7aBLcVf5teUexFWJGdFW13LC2kp6Y370a7pKTFl-rJp0/s640/SAM_5581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXHraRgqlL6V5xU2mizh7UWKb1sCeZS1cgn3W3dhglDHKVv8muZJLMuzh348uOeMgMWI1JTHwzNF-8_Rl0ZJgaHdAv8frFuC8-bPWL9s-rW5y4baVAtAAh5490exJE31BA0xyaA5_iNE/s1600/SAM_5577.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXHraRgqlL6V5xU2mizh7UWKb1sCeZS1cgn3W3dhglDHKVv8muZJLMuzh348uOeMgMWI1JTHwzNF-8_Rl0ZJgaHdAv8frFuC8-bPWL9s-rW5y4baVAtAAh5490exJE31BA0xyaA5_iNE/s640/SAM_5577.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtNbq1Ox-fp6NY8V-AjupoisWC3zA40KgF31HYFNV89sZHMxlhuD3xBqGJGnohmiY08hgDqz1dhqFCsH2JOwXWZam8oJXl6iiylwHyOzkMl3c8LJmx38w1jsiA8W0GTlWP-ixUtsNyok/s1600/SAM_5572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtNbq1Ox-fp6NY8V-AjupoisWC3zA40KgF31HYFNV89sZHMxlhuD3xBqGJGnohmiY08hgDqz1dhqFCsH2JOwXWZam8oJXl6iiylwHyOzkMl3c8LJmx38w1jsiA8W0GTlWP-ixUtsNyok/s640/SAM_5572.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The narrowest house in existence - can you find it? Go ahead, I'll wait.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r_cKziWGi_FhNmuL9XFNN7EYPjkxS9RgbM5ST3vviGejC4TbEyS1mSFwYSpc1hUBXzoRlSt2BiA2FfE3Iij1vWbFhb-zPtVWM_XThnrsGfuBFFpob0DoLlGwcvRu-U7rt-bZm6pWMwE/s1600/gopr1428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r_cKziWGi_FhNmuL9XFNN7EYPjkxS9RgbM5ST3vviGejC4TbEyS1mSFwYSpc1hUBXzoRlSt2BiA2FfE3Iij1vWbFhb-zPtVWM_XThnrsGfuBFFpob0DoLlGwcvRu-U7rt-bZm6pWMwE/s640/gopr1428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was not what I had in mind when I ordered cheese pancake. I'm not complaining!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
After the tour was finished, a few of us decided to grab something to eat at a nearby restaurant before we make our way to the <b>Anne Frank House</b>. Anne Frank House is one of the must-visit attractions - yes the lines can get extremely long but it will be worth it. We were lucky, since we went in the late evening and most of the crowd has thinned, so we only waited for 5 minutes. </div>
</div>
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Visiting the Anne Frank House is sobering - there's a hushed silence that follows you when you walk around the house, where the walls have so many stories to tell. I think the thing that haunts me the most when you're there is realizing that this <i>truly happened</i> - it's not just an abstract concept, these people were truly killed because an idiot decided that he was judge, jury, and executioner. You learned about it in history books, yes, but I don't think the realization that it truly happened really hits you until you're there, standing in Anne Frank's previous room, reading about the horrors that happened to her and her family.<br />
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It's even sadder to think that these things are <i>still </i>happening, that Hitler's idea didn't die with him, that there are war-mongering idiots still living and breathing around us and planning wars in other countries in the name of "freedom".<br />
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With that sobering thought, I end the travelogue here.<br />
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/iceland-2015-day-8-snorkelling-in.html">[Iceland 2015] Day 8 (Silfra Snorkeling & Aurora Hunt)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-edam-marken.html">[Netherlands 2015] Edam & Marken</a><br />
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-22610027778113918702016-02-01T11:42:00.000+08:002016-02-01T17:07:37.562+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 8: Snorkelling in Silfra & Aurora Hunt<div>
Today would be my last day in Iceland, and I've saved the best activity for last.<br />
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When I googled for activities to do in Iceland, I stumbled upon a blog detailing their Silfra snorkeling trip at Thingvellir Park. What caught my interest about this seemingly innocuous snorkeling trip was the fact that you would literally be swimming between two continents!<br />
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Due to Thingvellir's unique geological formation, the Thingvellir Park houses the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates, which drifted apart and became known as the Silfra ridge. The crystal clear water at the Silfra lake came from an underwater spring, and yes you can drink the water if you wish to do so - be warned though, the water itself maintains a constant temperature of 2-4 C all year round so the drink would be a cold one!<br />
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I wasn't going to be missing the chance to swim through two continents, even though it's winter! Yep, you read that right, you can go snorkelling or even scuba diving in Iceland during winter!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LXiMMAbZAtNWAhBTU-pW3Ho1uDGnHe12xWM6FlsE3KK-mLavhhQGeWaRBUUx_6z7aiieYZglGaa7glwJj8x2EfWd3mVY_0EdDEJ-kZvpy9qClPQG8jgy2tTPLu7ixhAk8CB6O9xt10M/s1600/gopr1396.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LXiMMAbZAtNWAhBTU-pW3Ho1uDGnHe12xWM6FlsE3KK-mLavhhQGeWaRBUUx_6z7aiieYZglGaa7glwJj8x2EfWd3mVY_0EdDEJ-kZvpy9qClPQG8jgy2tTPLu7ixhAk8CB6O9xt10M/s640/gopr1396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was picked up by Arctic Adventures at my hostel early in the morning - to my surprise, I met up again with one of my fellow travellers from yesterday's South Coast tour, Haley! Another two girls who came from the UK joined us for the trip and we made our way to Thingvellir.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4yvyQRTOXBKHsmQHHGXmgmZiBjRMx9xZ8NQMHbEmZIwPQl2v4YzmsjiJFKQDJNRnvSbFotW41WcXq_F6wYA46AaAK5TqEQXxI_pb1e8Yomljn4ZOxI7u7JbtihWITxKL94dBuywL-h0/s1600/SAM_5483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4yvyQRTOXBKHsmQHHGXmgmZiBjRMx9xZ8NQMHbEmZIwPQl2v4YzmsjiJFKQDJNRnvSbFotW41WcXq_F6wYA46AaAK5TqEQXxI_pb1e8Yomljn4ZOxI7u7JbtihWITxKL94dBuywL-h0/s640/SAM_5483.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winter wonderland scenery still awes me - another beautiful day :)</td></tr>
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When we got there, we met with our snorkelling guides who gave us a briefing on what we were to expect during our little underwater journey.<br />
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And then it was time for the hardest part of the tour: putting on our drysuits.<br />
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All the blogs I've read on the Silfra snorkelling tips and tricks couldn't prepare me for the drysuit, tbh (and I've read up on <i>a lot</i>). I mean, first things first: in winter, make sure you have enough layers for you to survive obvs. On this particular day, I wore two layers of thermal and a layer of wool socks - I forgot about gloves because I was an idiot. To be safe you could even wear <i>two layers</i> of socks!<br />
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But again, nothing could truly prepare you for the experience of putting on the damned drysuits. I have a love-hate relationship with it because the suit keeps you warm and toasty, but the ordeal of putting it on was so excruciatingly embarrassing. I needed help from two men just to put them on!!! Suffice to say, give up about feeling embarrassed and awkward about it and just accept all the help you can get because frankly, you're gonna need it.<br />
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Also, it would be helpful to bring another layer of clothes just in case your drysuit doesn't work all that well and you do get wet (I've heard it happened to Haley, but luckily only my headscarf got slightly wet and it wasn't that bad, it dried up in like 5 minutes or so).<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3rRTiYaQ28COwCZ2Kwz4g_2GzpRP6-WCVl4ETOag6XM2PS-mDVd7cFPSCzrdQVgAFGIozc8I69Xrslj1MIL1yvPJc4ckhegNXIVyDeftFOHr1D7i0vgq1uJlfqjpXhKhApIuhAOW2Bc/s1600/gopr1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3rRTiYaQ28COwCZ2Kwz4g_2GzpRP6-WCVl4ETOag6XM2PS-mDVd7cFPSCzrdQVgAFGIozc8I69Xrslj1MIL1yvPJc4ckhegNXIVyDeftFOHr1D7i0vgq1uJlfqjpXhKhApIuhAOW2Bc/s640/gopr1399.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Haley, hi! And yes that's the drysuit we had to put on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After we all finally got through the ordeal of putting on these penguin suits, we made our (slippery) way to the lake!<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMMl9ka6odaXODszg00AHlJjUeuso1bUUNjp5xRmYvMpZ1ep4HJojivj9gCZ1fuycVHq6i_GM72PMmMlKVYd_I1dAFN6hv4eO0TNBOq8q1ybH2d5TGdF1SaT6EAF-2VbJHosYK_Xn-zI/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMMl9ka6odaXODszg00AHlJjUeuso1bUUNjp5xRmYvMpZ1ep4HJojivj9gCZ1fuycVHq6i_GM72PMmMlKVYd_I1dAFN6hv4eO0TNBOq8q1ybH2d5TGdF1SaT6EAF-2VbJHosYK_Xn-zI/s640/silfra+snorkeling+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's start the swim! (Richard, our instructor, is the one in the red beanie cap. Hi Richard!)</td></tr>
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When I first got into the water, I was surprised to find how strong the current of the lake was. We were warned that at some of point of the swim we would have to fight the current and follow the snorkelling path, so that was something to keep in mind.<br />
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I'm a pretty good swimmer if I do say so myself (lol) and I've had my fair share of snorkelling in the open seas, but I felt pretty exhausted trying to swim against the current - we were only in the water for 45 minutes, but with the current and the cold it definitely felt longer than that.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSYVmzKHBeWyb07fTaQrhsHelxTlFlGfgNwPtqWsIbjr4ZOUyaEV6yMaz4fLcH1Q39f3wOKioy74eZlv33BQjA4nmtd0JibHdE8naY5hfA9Zu-4PdZML-0tPwMVEZe-g2zOUMpPclrHY/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSYVmzKHBeWyb07fTaQrhsHelxTlFlGfgNwPtqWsIbjr4ZOUyaEV6yMaz4fLcH1Q39f3wOKioy74eZlv33BQjA4nmtd0JibHdE8naY5hfA9Zu-4PdZML-0tPwMVEZe-g2zOUMpPclrHY/s640/silfra+snorkeling+38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self-professed good swimmer coming through!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The swim through the Silfra ridge felt surreal (I've had a lot of surrealistic experiences in Iceland). The drysuit thankfully kept me warm throughout the swim, but your face and hands are exposed to the cold (even though you're given gloves, your hands do get cold), which is a shocking reminder of how cold the waters is throughout the year.<br />
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Everything underwater was in shades of blues and greens, and the faux-silence would make you feel as if you're there alone if it weren't for the other flapping fins in the area. There are no fishes or corals to be found here; there are only rocks from the two tectonic plates, which is honestly the main attraction. Visibility in the water was spectacular, and yes I did take a gulp or two of the waters - tasted refreshing ;) (God I hope everyone kept to the rules and no one peed in their drysuits, lol.)<br />
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If you were to go scuba driving through the Silfra Cathedral, the experience would be amazing.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcFjpmYBGJUGMNKZ67VpwtaOc35yppGHCgbxo9AUDwgTOxFYXP5B5PLwT_cbEEFdqHqiU9IOOAwm8oJXWugaOwPdimuBYdJ2uO4BiOP8iYOel4vOIq35S1mSNqZogz8JtbB43CVGfABg/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+11.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcFjpmYBGJUGMNKZ67VpwtaOc35yppGHCgbxo9AUDwgTOxFYXP5B5PLwT_cbEEFdqHqiU9IOOAwm8oJXWugaOwPdimuBYdJ2uO4BiOP8iYOel4vOIq35S1mSNqZogz8JtbB43CVGfABg/s640/silfra+snorkeling+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkiGPzgBjHCB-RSRcpSQ_pLJ6VNOGkG02mavtxhkvQYcTbJZfMsSbYkjQaGtPoYKPxWBRtisZZHSrBSLJZMeO2ktg-wZI-LdcY3tOOimIZaN_52YbtrWO_PQ_UPx9cMTzchYXKjcRpKA/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+33.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkiGPzgBjHCB-RSRcpSQ_pLJ6VNOGkG02mavtxhkvQYcTbJZfMsSbYkjQaGtPoYKPxWBRtisZZHSrBSLJZMeO2ktg-wZI-LdcY3tOOimIZaN_52YbtrWO_PQ_UPx9cMTzchYXKjcRpKA/s640/silfra+snorkeling+33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s2ZHFpcQTWB5AitGykkndnHTe8V6Wb6Np42r93caemWhI875tpZqk_2PqAUwrC2ntA2rurW80xLTfG1_ryHm6l1M283CycJr4f8K06qXJR3cHo3OTYXjfnnCntyT3vEfyH7i3NBASEQ/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+08.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s2ZHFpcQTWB5AitGykkndnHTe8V6Wb6Np42r93caemWhI875tpZqk_2PqAUwrC2ntA2rurW80xLTfG1_ryHm6l1M283CycJr4f8K06qXJR3cHo3OTYXjfnnCntyT3vEfyH7i3NBASEQ/s640/silfra+snorkeling+08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQVNbA8epZKaHefqNPo_xvsgq_HktHNgyMwpJGGhxTifWjZGDx0RMpiBy8aBFYyhGE5bLpZ2G7hZTWaKY4NjH5_hUQgOUwjYG79Ad28YUvfT8gK2qGbqMOmZpwLnUHJi0O85rWUJqHAE/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+14.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQVNbA8epZKaHefqNPo_xvsgq_HktHNgyMwpJGGhxTifWjZGDx0RMpiBy8aBFYyhGE5bLpZ2G7hZTWaKY4NjH5_hUQgOUwjYG79Ad28YUvfT8gK2qGbqMOmZpwLnUHJi0O85rWUJqHAE/s640/silfra+snorkeling+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdSkl5n-_Af_UyViIy92abu0YdZc8EHsSqI4Rh9Wnb3lD3ruCJ6_myQHTYW-jQd8ZBHKo65CONSxCLh7YKSWhp-Ei_uKO2X7qLtUoJi2cuo0UQxsBYHYsNhdA6HUeFbOf4VIhsBYSTw0/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+27.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdSkl5n-_Af_UyViIy92abu0YdZc8EHsSqI4Rh9Wnb3lD3ruCJ6_myQHTYW-jQd8ZBHKo65CONSxCLh7YKSWhp-Ei_uKO2X7qLtUoJi2cuo0UQxsBYHYsNhdA6HUeFbOf4VIhsBYSTw0/s640/silfra+snorkeling+27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqrFIKGnO1m6P_RWvadoYX3jTjHUqzEce2nIjx5JcZ1MDHJ6EGVtl3UdDIBqr8ZvRyIG5vx0C-ucFa7Tf_5luvNEmxykiTH9QGeaZuMA_JEVmZ6gjIC2dP8yNkw9Vxr7fvmDntDh1zxc/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+19.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqrFIKGnO1m6P_RWvadoYX3jTjHUqzEce2nIjx5JcZ1MDHJ6EGVtl3UdDIBqr8ZvRyIG5vx0C-ucFa7Tf_5luvNEmxykiTH9QGeaZuMA_JEVmZ6gjIC2dP8yNkw9Vxr7fvmDntDh1zxc/s640/silfra+snorkeling+19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmvFDBk3FW5roo3OO_B2jUfo8LIz7zeg80jG9o0gQKL2lLLZm9Np_VnKjTwfpLSGKw1S4M6w252WTJycVkVG82RUIRYfajcp_voKOeYpTNFpDx4u6GpvQZH1xwoJxSRISl-4vj0lbKkk/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+36.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmvFDBk3FW5roo3OO_B2jUfo8LIz7zeg80jG9o0gQKL2lLLZm9Np_VnKjTwfpLSGKw1S4M6w252WTJycVkVG82RUIRYfajcp_voKOeYpTNFpDx4u6GpvQZH1xwoJxSRISl-4vj0lbKkk/s640/silfra+snorkeling+36.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1mAuhnWFy1TmtV0N8c_oMPx0Y9S1Au2HoqPOsVfTlYqzA3ira-DzWPud0ACJmBpsI48eU-M3r48UJVrqkOmBAMKyv735nn5esAboURMcqOrgn16FSxw3weAX4GVR0mhJvdq3x7MJUIU/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1mAuhnWFy1TmtV0N8c_oMPx0Y9S1Au2HoqPOsVfTlYqzA3ira-DzWPud0ACJmBpsI48eU-M3r48UJVrqkOmBAMKyv735nn5esAboURMcqOrgn16FSxw3weAX4GVR0mhJvdq3x7MJUIU/s640/silfra+snorkeling+40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairs signifies the end of your snorkelling. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gwo4kl4vmhI8_iuZ3P1nhPgf5s2eVbadSVJ462-qwNevo2V3Bzsm2t7VZXqooDftX-JKRXbyel-42Fgr407tBkax_o1ZI7zyHKaZjqxyFz-Ca1wbO9CbHUHygvqMbJsiWdOpYbB3dAQ/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+42.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gwo4kl4vmhI8_iuZ3P1nhPgf5s2eVbadSVJ462-qwNevo2V3Bzsm2t7VZXqooDftX-JKRXbyel-42Fgr407tBkax_o1ZI7zyHKaZjqxyFz-Ca1wbO9CbHUHygvqMbJsiWdOpYbB3dAQ/s640/silfra+snorkeling+42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydCN-dCrG6e3kpiZjpf1x54zQJc4_VecnN7Gn2AM2UbDppQmefOB_mSXHrE3Msq5OqK_eCfFzJZamJQR2ouyxBZZnNZo3Xr_MG_1sEEGuHGuGIlMzVSpVYOyTP_UQhfRx_Jp7IwgxbPs/s1600/silfra+snorkeling+41.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydCN-dCrG6e3kpiZjpf1x54zQJc4_VecnN7Gn2AM2UbDppQmefOB_mSXHrE3Msq5OqK_eCfFzJZamJQR2ouyxBZZnNZo3Xr_MG_1sEEGuHGuGIlMzVSpVYOyTP_UQhfRx_Jp7IwgxbPs/s640/silfra+snorkeling+41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Getting out of the lake and getting onto the icy platform was an experience in itself lol, and yes you <i>will </i>somehow or rather get stuck on the icy railing or stairs.</div>
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Getting out of the drysuit was as "fun" as it was getting in, so again I had help from Arctic Adventures' finest men (thanks Richard & Isaac, two frostbitten thumbs up!).</div>
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After the awesome snorkelling session, we were dropped off at our respective hotels, and I went back and crashed on my hotel bed - I'm unashamed to say that the rest of the evening was spent chilling on my bed because I've had 7 packed days full of adventure and <i>I deserve a rest dammit</i> - before I get ready for my last aurora hunt tonight.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24cQAv1g0pJGRGMXtSCWL4a8S_p4QFtrD2oWF8lLVfn5mfKPMV1fJTMKaxNHi6bV8Uoa2hrtDRs8ygJRdFg-mE-l4NrVMFvvlCcawVXL4P7VOGhicFBPZlUryKHeSmwUa7XfH63CghyE/s1600/gopr1408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24cQAv1g0pJGRGMXtSCWL4a8S_p4QFtrD2oWF8lLVfn5mfKPMV1fJTMKaxNHi6bV8Uoa2hrtDRs8ygJRdFg-mE-l4NrVMFvvlCcawVXL4P7VOGhicFBPZlUryKHeSmwUa7XfH63CghyE/s640/gopr1408.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also it was snowing, and snow always want to make me curl up in bed</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAjbDaJ3JxN_4rfcSKTrm9yodG-uisy_I31nXkG_oqcxWNyf2Z0S9IEmxPGL6Whvcwy1ymCYDe1Rpq2mwvk4b_OSSjiIgwny9uN2UwpKbnhuzG8WlX3-K7Qtv15zxBmoNKgv5ULJKDFA/s1600/gopr1403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAjbDaJ3JxN_4rfcSKTrm9yodG-uisy_I31nXkG_oqcxWNyf2Z0S9IEmxPGL6Whvcwy1ymCYDe1Rpq2mwvk4b_OSSjiIgwny9uN2UwpKbnhuzG8WlX3-K7Qtv15zxBmoNKgv5ULJKDFA/s640/gopr1403.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want to sleep in this kind of bed during a snowstorm?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXEk6ei3BYqVoCMrDVNMO31t3UMkyLVye9ziEYkhl7A83jtfdqJclmWGfPUgom9ZWHNkf4Z9_xj8LCoJWdwk3d9LcWQBndBBS7PWTE820Iqrae6RovobIsGQWa_nPNSueJwkyXhG8eaA/s1600/gopr1409.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXEk6ei3BYqVoCMrDVNMO31t3UMkyLVye9ziEYkhl7A83jtfdqJclmWGfPUgom9ZWHNkf4Z9_xj8LCoJWdwk3d9LcWQBndBBS7PWTE820Iqrae6RovobIsGQWa_nPNSueJwkyXhG8eaA/s640/gopr1409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj5AXikcfO6Fm1V51OYbnpgtiEvCDhmlUECP6S_bNtDMHsWtPrOyYhQm9TIPzuCi1p2o5_V-N6YepOYrnMYheRPTpQrIj6USEZ7nQWuJNiUdzufftE8XAjNBZqPJC1n8nqCdvpdjA6tk/s1600/SAM_5477.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj5AXikcfO6Fm1V51OYbnpgtiEvCDhmlUECP6S_bNtDMHsWtPrOyYhQm9TIPzuCi1p2o5_V-N6YepOYrnMYheRPTpQrIj6USEZ7nQWuJNiUdzufftE8XAjNBZqPJC1n8nqCdvpdjA6tk/s640/SAM_5477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My last tour in Iceland was with <a href="http://www.gtice.is/" target="_blank">Gateway to Iceland</a> - initially, my BLA friends had booked an independent Northern Lights tour with them, as they had no booking fee and an excellent refund policy. Due to inclement weather and low probability of seeing the lights a few nights before this, the company had cancelled the tour for the previous 5 nights. I was lucky that my last night showed excellent probability of seeing the lights (low cloud cover aka clear skies, high aurora activity on the meter), and so our tour guide picked us all up and I made our way once again to Thingvellir Park.</div>
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My last night in Iceland made me sad as I would have to make my way back to Amsterdam tomorrow and leave this wondrous island and its beautiful landscapes behind - it seems that the country was determined to show her beautiful sides on the last 3 days, and I was again blessed to see the aurora dancing in the skies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW3tGUqlRvqJ0-34bqgeErfHVvB_J7cugXUYktwOo5sSqKFEdcOMgc5Lm7lH9nfaSlcDiqUbY4zecQvweih0k1WdaFJ7ud_RDEuofi32CxZaQkdVCBaw4PfmgK1r5ipi-HtDF9zunz_8/s1600/SAM_5491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW3tGUqlRvqJ0-34bqgeErfHVvB_J7cugXUYktwOo5sSqKFEdcOMgc5Lm7lH9nfaSlcDiqUbY4zecQvweih0k1WdaFJ7ud_RDEuofi32CxZaQkdVCBaw4PfmgK1r5ipi-HtDF9zunz_8/s640/SAM_5491.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy in the sky with diamonds~</td></tr>
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I heard over the next few days there would be a severe snowstorm in Iceland - in fact, it was one of the worst snowstorms Iceland has ever experienced in 25 years! Thankfully my flights weren't cancelled due to the snowpocalypse and I narrowly escaped being stranded in Iceland (although tbh I wouldn't have minded too much if it meant I could see more of Iceland :P Probably not so during a snowstorm though...) and so I made my way to Amsterdam the next morning.<br />
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As a bonus, here's a video I made of my Iceland trip :D<br />
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<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/149748402" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </center>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/149748402">Iceland 2015 (wanderlustraveller)</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user39209211">Nadirah</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
</center>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-7-ice-caving.html">Day 7 (Ice Caving & Jökulsárlón Lagoon)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-amsterdam.html">[Netherlands 2015] Day 8-11 (Amsterdam)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
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<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-76699361677582832442016-01-30T18:29:00.000+08:002016-02-14T22:46:14.117+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 7: Ice Caving & Jökulsárlón Lagoon<div>
This was it - this was the day that I've been looking forward to the most. Not only would we be going for ice caving at Vatnajökull, we would also go to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, the infamous glacier lake which inspired my Iceland dreams.<br>
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We were all extremely excited to start off our early hike after breakfast at the hotel - the first stop of the day was at the Glacier Walks office, where we would pick up our equipments for the glacier hiking and ice caving activity. The guides for our activity gave us crampons (which are basically like ice picks for your feet lol) and a iceaxe.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crampons: Ice picks for your feet!<br>
(Contact me to write slogans for your company because clearly I'm very capable at it)</td></tr>
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The guides will help to show you how to put on your <strike>ice picks</strike> crampons onto your hiking shoes before you start your journey across the glacier. Btw, yes you do need hiking shoes (i.e. shoes with the proper soles) for this hike, since the crampons would need to be properly attached to your shoes. If you didn't bring the right shoes, you can rent one from the tour company.</div>
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After helping us with the complex activity of lacing the crampons onto our shoes - an important step, we were told, as the crampons would help us stay on the ice and not fall off the glacier and be swept off to become one with the glacier (I kid, but I do think it could happen, as I would find out later...) - we were off to the <b>Vatnajökull </b>glacier!<br>
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I was excited to finally get to hike a glacier; being Malaysian, I've never seen a glacier before, let alone hike across one. I was also a bit nervous, and even the advice from Sarah, our glacier guide, wasn't enough to really soothe my nerves.<br>
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Seeing that some of us were beginners, Sarah ensured that the trek was bearable for the beginners by keeping a slow pace - some of the more advanced hikers would probably be bored, but I was definitely more cautious on the trek since the hike was not as easy as I thought it would be. I think the scariest thing about it was that it was so slippery - I <i>know </i>it's ice, but <i>imagining </i>how slippery it is and actually <i>feeling </i>how slippery it is and actually seeing the distance you could fall down and slip downwards into an ice cave is a totally different thing.<br>
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Speaking of falling into ice caves...<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREF9BO8qdIm0QhtH7Kp2HCwvmFiWuiTwTxksDdKfU3j7Tlyur_u53XHQYovgigofINkeerSHfdgstJPjCKXhOo7GuRRZddXPvY9K5lvUkg_aQQqYiv2YL-5-3DRgt6BZNfckLCheVisA/s1600/SAM_5296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREF9BO8qdIm0QhtH7Kp2HCwvmFiWuiTwTxksDdKfU3j7Tlyur_u53XHQYovgigofINkeerSHfdgstJPjCKXhOo7GuRRZddXPvY9K5lvUkg_aQQqYiv2YL-5-3DRgt6BZNfckLCheVisA/s640/SAM_5296.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello there, 20m ice cave!</td></tr>
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YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE ANY LOOSE ARTICLES ON YOU WHEN YOU'RE GOING ON THIS HIKE.<br>
Obviously I've learnt this the hard way.<br>
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Thankfully, <i>I </i>didn't personally fall down into the ice cave; however, my dad's GoPro did.<br>
Yep. Of course this would happen to me, <i>of course</i>.<br>
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Sarah was telling us all about the formation of the glaciers and how the ice caves are formed naturally over time. She showed us the above ice cave, which was approximately 20m deep and I was just going "huh, cool".<br>
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Little did I know that the GoPro felt like taking a dive into the depths of its abyss - I suppose it was thinking that I haven't been adventurous enough on the trip and just thought "hey I'd like to see what this ice cave looks like!"<br>
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The moment the camera slid down out of my wrist and onto the glacier, the whole scene played out in slow motion mode in my brain (because my brain wanted to torture me) and I was just frozen onto the ice because I didn't want to fall down into the cave to join the fate of the GoPro. It was something out of a horror film where my brain was just going "nnnnnooOOoOOooooOOOoooooo".<br>
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(Although it would've been cool if I had been recording something on video when the GoPro fell... would've made for some interesting footage that's for sure.)<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken before I lost the GoPro - see how it's still hanging in my pocket? Yes I should be slapped for endangering the GoPro so.</td></tr>
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Well, it's not like I could do anything about it at that point, so Sarah told me that they would try to get the GoPro back, and that we should continue on to our accessible ice caves first. Picking up the pieces of my broken heart (and trying to forget how my dad would kill me once I get back to Malaysia), we trekked on.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah told us that these are ice mice lol. Even though you can't see it, there's actually a glacier in there - when a smaller glacier piece falls off and rolls down, it gathers moss around it and forms these curious little ice mice (so the saying "rolling stone gathers no moss" doesn't apply here heh). Personally, I think these are the Iceland baby trolls ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we can see the Vatnajökull ice cap - this was actually zoomed in from where we were standing. The actual size of the glacier ice cap was indescribable.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP51KqZbPr1RLbYH7UwwiXhf9DPceWaKMP-Ch4HS4tm1_nDEwAsYokHVjEgTtrE4_ygozMTb0PG1eS-2ujFkFxdUJ3DoTTvy41AFV5tnAvITZIQFNhia4p16poSgJdvbDGOYG9oeIfNw/s1600/SAM_5290.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP51KqZbPr1RLbYH7UwwiXhf9DPceWaKMP-Ch4HS4tm1_nDEwAsYokHVjEgTtrE4_ygozMTb0PG1eS-2ujFkFxdUJ3DoTTvy41AFV5tnAvITZIQFNhia4p16poSgJdvbDGOYG9oeIfNw/s640/SAM_5290.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Our trek finally ended at the entrance to the ice cave. The cave itself was relatively smaller than what we were expecting (as I've googled countless pictures of ice caves before I went on this little expedition), but we were happy enough to be able to get inside one.<br>
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You only get to go into the ice caves during winter when the glacial rivers retract and freezes and these ice caves are thus formed. You would need an experienced guide as well to take you there, as new ice caves will form in different locations each year and these guides are the ones who look for them and ensure their structural soundness and safety.<br>
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The cave itself felt pretty surreal, as the lack of air inside the caves leads to the exteme blueness that makes me look like a tall Smurf. Space was limited, so we could only crawl and bend inside the ice cave, but the colors, formation, and texture of the caves is amazing. The ice didn't really feel that cold for some weird reason, but perhaps it was because I didn't take off my gloves, heh.<br>
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I would actually really love to visit another ice cave, one that's more expansive that this one. Perhaps on another trip <strike>yes I'm already planning for another trip this is how Iceland have ruined me so.</strike><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYAa1-o2hm7-kBh9BtmDXt2_MTgUQpYXSo-EeL20wrhUyuhf38PH7CIJJyQwFwjG9l2tqMjmnGWIuw8NtAhkFyIMWY3wAv6oX4dIoaxDUorJn3MTlwevZcegovPbN9-DjF16C-rfRJ_g/s1600/SAM_5311.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYAa1-o2hm7-kBh9BtmDXt2_MTgUQpYXSo-EeL20wrhUyuhf38PH7CIJJyQwFwjG9l2tqMjmnGWIuw8NtAhkFyIMWY3wAv6oX4dIoaxDUorJn3MTlwevZcegovPbN9-DjF16C-rfRJ_g/s640/SAM_5311.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8fkpgWYxOe4obRoKeZRizPHK3-RTsz57YybmNIDH7hDybqOPYrBlTt8jsQDuKfjEWAe8Ue0v6engHdCygXRgdQnnUOQngql7boTqvsqDHP02MsGh2iq3GCeu09EgjIRz6fsRGX_-mrc/s1600/SAM_5302.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8fkpgWYxOe4obRoKeZRizPHK3-RTsz57YybmNIDH7hDybqOPYrBlTt8jsQDuKfjEWAe8Ue0v6engHdCygXRgdQnnUOQngql7boTqvsqDHP02MsGh2iq3GCeu09EgjIRz6fsRGX_-mrc/s640/SAM_5302.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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By the way, the GoPro story thankfully has a happy ending.<br>
Being the awesome people that they are, the Glacier Walks people managed to retrieve the GoPro from the ice cave! <span style="font-family: inherit;">And what d'you know, the GoPro survived the fall! The only thing that was broken was the three-way monopod! So 1000 points to the GoPro casing.</span><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWX_mWeyS5i7RD1vlTkZmjo2-bCM2zOUzXInhNPnJgfQSQay08XWYKaNieqXQuy3HeGxMuQsSpIx_95Gd9okyn9-6FBYq-v6iosC-6-vnLnTxSGKFxjDMErvwHzzOVqpFr1DX_Vby_IQ/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWX_mWeyS5i7RD1vlTkZmjo2-bCM2zOUzXInhNPnJgfQSQay08XWYKaNieqXQuy3HeGxMuQsSpIx_95Gd9okyn9-6FBYq-v6iosC-6-vnLnTxSGKFxjDMErvwHzzOVqpFr1DX_Vby_IQ/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My saviour! <3</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1aTwHAgXEHYbaNgf9Ztv1FgdR837JNuh8urwxSEjkskQnUvfwANxYHo23l6GqOOzn0HQ2qiHnCRAPoXgY1r8TZmFQ98f5H_2hsW3aS-ATv7a7UFLqyLZ2B6MVwhL1XGd1b-oi7uTl1w/s1600/Untitled3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1aTwHAgXEHYbaNgf9Ztv1FgdR837JNuh8urwxSEjkskQnUvfwANxYHo23l6GqOOzn0HQ2qiHnCRAPoXgY1r8TZmFQ98f5H_2hsW3aS-ATv7a7UFLqyLZ2B6MVwhL1XGd1b-oi7uTl1w/s640/Untitled3.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who apparently went down this cave with naught but a rope attached to her. Badass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While we trekked our way back to our starting point, the sun has started its ascend (ahhh, the elusive Iceland sun during winter shone bright and beautiful on this day!) which leads to some beautiful lighting during our trek.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMyXKeKCt0x3cd1NeUFaDzoj_zgLk_ovflx1yyv5ccNALN4Xhl8px6sBGGLgg9X_ziajN4FffD5fHvdGlqetxjKNNRSB7U4f7grgrcTaXv3Xt6LGMbpqo-w8Cptwy-S58qa2zQIA1Ug/s1600/SAM_5345.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMyXKeKCt0x3cd1NeUFaDzoj_zgLk_ovflx1yyv5ccNALN4Xhl8px6sBGGLgg9X_ziajN4FffD5fHvdGlqetxjKNNRSB7U4f7grgrcTaXv3Xt6LGMbpqo-w8Cptwy-S58qa2zQIA1Ug/s640/SAM_5345.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O1FFd7gRu6ppX2C4Lbo_ASUuoUr73okE8trN6As8jIMedzK9e-wpm71asu4dSR0_BU3in-n_XCxLLzaFcCi-0X5xhkD5gDvEOJc5CBK5f5wKPyRlTm4R1SyrtEPsvLmhjbfaN0o-Vog/s1600/SAM_5356.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O1FFd7gRu6ppX2C4Lbo_ASUuoUr73okE8trN6As8jIMedzK9e-wpm71asu4dSR0_BU3in-n_XCxLLzaFcCi-0X5xhkD5gDvEOJc5CBK5f5wKPyRlTm4R1SyrtEPsvLmhjbfaN0o-Vog/s640/SAM_5356.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXAUml8zGXFTayJUTQKMgo-XD8b1XxM7XaO18FAWSp3WAeDM9IIOA5wfxP0e0PgpT2mdl1Bbhv3A1OG1PV8dvkQ9TKPlYZY-U_t7BcpaLPYG8XgiLEi2wsRtcYXrUg9HW3-XYrD5yDLo/s1600/SAM_5354.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXAUml8zGXFTayJUTQKMgo-XD8b1XxM7XaO18FAWSp3WAeDM9IIOA5wfxP0e0PgpT2mdl1Bbhv3A1OG1PV8dvkQ9TKPlYZY-U_t7BcpaLPYG8XgiLEi2wsRtcYXrUg9HW3-XYrD5yDLo/s640/SAM_5354.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjHMVpuZD-j9PfoXbhyVLry8hBOWqAsGOpjKO9u0Tt2R1mdrsEb0PCG3CMb-A_-5J3rAqJD1i-HFVlEaP4959afcv0da_rnHiTDd9K_IEl-Q6sCX8GQBgwZzH3TNuwHR2GRdD4SsQ_60/s1600/SAM_5351.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjHMVpuZD-j9PfoXbhyVLry8hBOWqAsGOpjKO9u0Tt2R1mdrsEb0PCG3CMb-A_-5J3rAqJD1i-HFVlEaP4959afcv0da_rnHiTDd9K_IEl-Q6sCX8GQBgwZzH3TNuwHR2GRdD4SsQ_60/s640/SAM_5351.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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We went back to the Glacier Walks office to return our pickaxe and crampons and recharged ourselves with free coffee and hot cocoa (bliss on a winter morning) before we met up again with Jonas and Aron.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dwaCRvrgPeYazgrR72eq6tAlapaR3iNa9AMSBqxLktFYVxIiqI6XflqT0rnK7TPNC09gSFbVdkqYGGkzZutDy0QQdvZIlaJW2zSE-uxxR5oqnvJAOh64z_3Dl0CmlbQXIQtYDRnXdD4/s1600/SAM_5364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dwaCRvrgPeYazgrR72eq6tAlapaR3iNa9AMSBqxLktFYVxIiqI6XflqT0rnK7TPNC09gSFbVdkqYGGkzZutDy0QQdvZIlaJW2zSE-uxxR5oqnvJAOh64z_3Dl0CmlbQXIQtYDRnXdD4/s640/SAM_5364.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's kind of unfair that your office gets a magnificent view of this every morning FROM YOUR OFFICE, <i>Iceland</i>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC03KJHohIbp6iQaSxg4g5jXYPb-NJW2klKj3zImdQkWLni29dVozywjvANfYnW4t6C-QxQYpGwamX88Xi7gj6jES2MjLlhOwAE2ioM4_Wg4XIgTZr92fng6E7yvNuyB-3AuVKJyi0tQ/s1600/SAM_5365.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOC03KJHohIbp6iQaSxg4g5jXYPb-NJW2klKj3zImdQkWLni29dVozywjvANfYnW4t6C-QxQYpGwamX88Xi7gj6jES2MjLlhOwAE2ioM4_Wg4XIgTZr92fng6E7yvNuyB-3AuVKJyi0tQ/s640/SAM_5365.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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We then continued our journey and made our way to the next pitstop before lunch, which was at the Hvannadalshnúkur viewpoint - Jonas recommended that we take a group picture here before we break for lunch and continued our journey to the lagoon.<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNLGI6LDDZcKr5aeap8T7dd8mTB6sOm8sX0baWy_aweR6Z_j2yxsnzzjLYPWMFY0eBbaE2_3BPxm3x45wb_ze2Rj5xByzMgjDQ3uPFBV92dUqlxQnfXNRrCx_34MVRYZ8Rlt7x_ph8JA/s1600/SAM_5381.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNLGI6LDDZcKr5aeap8T7dd8mTB6sOm8sX0baWy_aweR6Z_j2yxsnzzjLYPWMFY0eBbaE2_3BPxm3x45wb_ze2Rj5xByzMgjDQ3uPFBV92dUqlxQnfXNRrCx_34MVRYZ8Rlt7x_ph8JA/s640/SAM_5381.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-VO_yn6-b2_Fy-QqQ8-PEyT_Zv_0kKZI0U8WLZ1vJjmUoM9LtxDZB3UOCVFuF6fGJRcartxEQGcy9bi8KyH607ogQB3s0ZZJaokSxlgYLSWTiySa8sYQBM76RPOMLR7aA6PRLSvKAsA/s1600/SAM_5376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-VO_yn6-b2_Fy-QqQ8-PEyT_Zv_0kKZI0U8WLZ1vJjmUoM9LtxDZB3UOCVFuF6fGJRcartxEQGcy9bi8KyH607ogQB3s0ZZJaokSxlgYLSWTiySa8sYQBM76RPOMLR7aA6PRLSvKAsA/s640/SAM_5376.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome group (and hey, Jason asked me to pose with my feet raised up, don't look at me like that!)<br>
Our tour guides are sadly not in the picture. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgPd0mQCNDz5kwNBibDz1foDoeLRDQjmp0Uu5vKDUowpPCG6IHTfM4oX1wBKovNXOBcxXW2mexxsbyEStfiSmfUN2FvkxSJ-gIIRP0bGu46NWZIsVPARVHRDgB9MQTF8i44KFik_Da1Q/s1600/SAM_5374.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgPd0mQCNDz5kwNBibDz1foDoeLRDQjmp0Uu5vKDUowpPCG6IHTfM4oX1wBKovNXOBcxXW2mexxsbyEStfiSmfUN2FvkxSJ-gIIRP0bGu46NWZIsVPARVHRDgB9MQTF8i44KFik_Da1Q/s640/SAM_5374.jpg" width="640"></a><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcGfzrjpChAoyEyeDKL3025tYpQ5mqwgF-XiDBIaCghDLf6WJDPA9MbyocD9J3oxzbr2ZJC30kYc_ddnlBJUUF66jN2mvz8qh1rBwHPo-9wTe_K7yGlRmWRMgYvkpmoPSudvnAIH5z5I/s1600/SAM_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcGfzrjpChAoyEyeDKL3025tYpQ5mqwgF-XiDBIaCghDLf6WJDPA9MbyocD9J3oxzbr2ZJC30kYc_ddnlBJUUF66jN2mvz8qh1rBwHPo-9wTe_K7yGlRmWRMgYvkpmoPSudvnAIH5z5I/s640/SAM_5382.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch was awesome! Those potatoes were seriously the best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And then it was time for the main attraction I've been waiting for: the <b>Jökulsárlón Lagoon</b>.<br>
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The large glacial lake was actually formed approximately 60 years ago when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier started rapidly retreating as temperatures rose, and has been growing at varying rates due to the melting glaciers - thanks global warming!<br>
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The retreating glaciers is actually posing danger to Iceland's highway route, and measures have been implemented to protect the bridge which spans across the lake to protect the bridge foundation from erosions. Building bridges and tunnels here sounds super interesting - I think I saw a "construction site" only once in Iceland, which was right in this area, and even then there was only a small soil investigation rig. I would love to know more about construction conditions here tbh because of the fickle weather. OK enough engineering talks.<br>
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I think it would be safe to say that the lagoon exceeds every expectation I had of it. Jonas reiterated how lucky we were with the amazing weather we've had for the past two days.<br>
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The weather and the sunset we had at Jökulsárlón? Amazing. Definitely made my top 5 sunsets list.<br>
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Fair warning: the rest of the post will just be picture spams of this strikingly beautiful place.<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWeoUGkTVgpTRSI3nb8o2ma4PHaHQuMWGOtFy9K0PL8lzfGl8QTeLRbAtZUeaxUQMMBMjPYsfbNWz8MhcVb1Q5FqvGXJahUIDTbuEi73KaS9tjUKWyKdLCMOpHjhDAF8CYYhbotLrSqo/s1600/SAM_5414.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWeoUGkTVgpTRSI3nb8o2ma4PHaHQuMWGOtFy9K0PL8lzfGl8QTeLRbAtZUeaxUQMMBMjPYsfbNWz8MhcVb1Q5FqvGXJahUIDTbuEi73KaS9tjUKWyKdLCMOpHjhDAF8CYYhbotLrSqo/s640/SAM_5414.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOhqVuzbLd8X42VFnmMOjAQQXwO-v00AGKLFfaKDDJ4O0WNcPPQdcHez8nMCHVlxD3j7HDBCxjPE1hdejauKK754wy_oiTTDF8hycni48txungkLgkNEpx8uBqn8fytYy2kUlamZlHzQ/s1600/SAM_5410.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOhqVuzbLd8X42VFnmMOjAQQXwO-v00AGKLFfaKDDJ4O0WNcPPQdcHez8nMCHVlxD3j7HDBCxjPE1hdejauKK754wy_oiTTDF8hycni48txungkLgkNEpx8uBqn8fytYy2kUlamZlHzQ/s640/SAM_5410.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqqy3EEXOPFbRE4XBPXdueTV-JfuwjQP_B-aPsbeWPREpZ9NYmxEGnHHcoHn1TNtG0M3JWQnpHuemYBCI4bJ0T7dqttgCHbLD44Qe-QZUAm4CUkHmitfaEsYwopg9AN_C4gMOkfX7b4c/s1600/SAM_5408.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqqy3EEXOPFbRE4XBPXdueTV-JfuwjQP_B-aPsbeWPREpZ9NYmxEGnHHcoHn1TNtG0M3JWQnpHuemYBCI4bJ0T7dqttgCHbLD44Qe-QZUAm4CUkHmitfaEsYwopg9AN_C4gMOkfX7b4c/s640/SAM_5408.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7UYtoj-NX4wVrwxYkRFarNCW0_tAVavnMyGjl7cWB7FuISPbTvpG8MiLdGy85xplnIbgfkOaPCRUmBskpoRODYUj7gj7VCSdF2xR4NY8bShaxllTfdVlZ6gWQuMc4ntXAnAOX2tuMJc/s1600/SAM_5384.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7UYtoj-NX4wVrwxYkRFarNCW0_tAVavnMyGjl7cWB7FuISPbTvpG8MiLdGy85xplnIbgfkOaPCRUmBskpoRODYUj7gj7VCSdF2xR4NY8bShaxllTfdVlZ6gWQuMc4ntXAnAOX2tuMJc/s640/SAM_5384.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdEBuoCMukfM3O56AuNrZTY-Etnuz7GRrp00bxaOcTcTCGOgr2nPyNNhYOYiQZW4SXTAiRnaUD7LTRq8bI0JTUpxAy7KqookXNcxV5f0IftquLaDeSM-0kfuYBxoube9dRW9pNOi0HNk/s1600/SAM_5390.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdEBuoCMukfM3O56AuNrZTY-Etnuz7GRrp00bxaOcTcTCGOgr2nPyNNhYOYiQZW4SXTAiRnaUD7LTRq8bI0JTUpxAy7KqookXNcxV5f0IftquLaDeSM-0kfuYBxoube9dRW9pNOi0HNk/s640/SAM_5390.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOQkkiRzJz-_JSSp47a6b0Nk-vCzp1fN5DzlRIPN1djDHimackHFSIAn5VO9I4M3dtDMQmybkZzZvAD1IF1wqrlttrEw1CuoTLVNaPnXgAcXOYG4SHd7ZDxPiQrSgIrX9NEq4rNkBd0/s1600/SAM_5411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOQkkiRzJz-_JSSp47a6b0Nk-vCzp1fN5DzlRIPN1djDHimackHFSIAn5VO9I4M3dtDMQmybkZzZvAD1IF1wqrlttrEw1CuoTLVNaPnXgAcXOYG4SHd7ZDxPiQrSgIrX9NEq4rNkBd0/s640/SAM_5411.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge spanning across the Jökulsárlón lake can be seen in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlzcEk7x9VmjYQqGsR-bZll7e5YXfQayHUQzLGWWDPHhY8xM4kr8cqO1qZr4PWMtg3DhyphenhyphenFvyyp2-y_hyphenhyphenpUfS29udXZsVvY7hK-kl4Q37OHQBy55ifl_mePpOxecGuSVn27ssDramkwVo/s1600/SAM_5435.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlzcEk7x9VmjYQqGsR-bZll7e5YXfQayHUQzLGWWDPHhY8xM4kr8cqO1qZr4PWMtg3DhyphenhyphenFvyyp2-y_hyphenhyphenpUfS29udXZsVvY7hK-kl4Q37OHQBy55ifl_mePpOxecGuSVn27ssDramkwVo/s640/SAM_5435.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5mulXGWBh_tESkH-9n3TNVxWpalDW1hGlj7e-S16LTBQrj4ZPFJt_LmiQLzMZP7RJki-CdSW1y2t7mETWKUdHwUILYo9fnLEZ9FYfizLyUUEx59F3uma_F604VMugefdL2hDRWI6lbs/s1600/SAM_5420.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5mulXGWBh_tESkH-9n3TNVxWpalDW1hGlj7e-S16LTBQrj4ZPFJt_LmiQLzMZP7RJki-CdSW1y2t7mETWKUdHwUILYo9fnLEZ9FYfizLyUUEx59F3uma_F604VMugefdL2hDRWI6lbs/s640/SAM_5420.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU9lnZiadnrJpgtWpid4thoJnTIuN1CWaBjboaInsqE-gaglhdOWEHwFnjfowHvLN0aYARUTXV42yPqLorWrtKOFdBl1UiGXLcYww5GZIbAAgbvqfWqXXTJgejHjxLXLWgz77aPUElRg/s1600/SAM_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU9lnZiadnrJpgtWpid4thoJnTIuN1CWaBjboaInsqE-gaglhdOWEHwFnjfowHvLN0aYARUTXV42yPqLorWrtKOFdBl1UiGXLcYww5GZIbAAgbvqfWqXXTJgejHjxLXLWgz77aPUElRg/s640/SAM_5426.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wasn't even the correct path to the lagoon lol but because the snow was too thick we couldn't see the designated path. Ah well, the road less travelled and all that right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc9QJiU04nKYNKAU76_VrmFhX3EqRUy4slmMSxqn_NmkWZ9e_JwHRaNKLKcJBYxoD10FeMIbaVu1KKIvHseQ_gLkQhtF_6MHIF1cFUzgzpzzXLZ1Za4uaCNYLspukOjjlrqEKT0HS0xM/s1600/SAM_5423.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc9QJiU04nKYNKAU76_VrmFhX3EqRUy4slmMSxqn_NmkWZ9e_JwHRaNKLKcJBYxoD10FeMIbaVu1KKIvHseQ_gLkQhtF_6MHIF1cFUzgzpzzXLZ1Za4uaCNYLspukOjjlrqEKT0HS0xM/s640/SAM_5423.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhry4E_iLP-SVrjdpNPE65WOYZSNKBtKXsfITnOtTou_bGrBP57pGftUoMh6Bg3kyxPuoWnViEpBWdBesTJa7asJw32pcKAAKUIAlZ_spDDsQmCXPlmiMFoOUCJJnvxZseJ7utbbTj8u4/s1600/SAM_5442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhry4E_iLP-SVrjdpNPE65WOYZSNKBtKXsfITnOtTou_bGrBP57pGftUoMh6Bg3kyxPuoWnViEpBWdBesTJa7asJw32pcKAAKUIAlZ_spDDsQmCXPlmiMFoOUCJJnvxZseJ7utbbTj8u4/s640/SAM_5442.JPG" width="426"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now there's a sight we didn't expect! There were a group of seals swimming along.</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyI7QRjYVsNdrFdKcLRU597dpFGuuRouO9rWMiLPLrLCDRIvoN6pvQKVkuKmt7LciPLRYDTRh8WyJ68hZ5nvTuoit2AseHedF817MddaOfVv77pPMEy58PTmc_my00GHYghgF1oqtYzE/s1600/SAM_5422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyI7QRjYVsNdrFdKcLRU597dpFGuuRouO9rWMiLPLrLCDRIvoN6pvQKVkuKmt7LciPLRYDTRh8WyJ68hZ5nvTuoit2AseHedF817MddaOfVv77pPMEy58PTmc_my00GHYghgF1oqtYzE/s640/SAM_5422.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7KpgGxJkS4N7MygSDdRAJa19EHKrrxVjZCypltVQaWYd295vgnmII5r2Njf34UZOpGqSF45qk7Zx5Tav53pp-doWABaBIaSAN86KETLM48Jn02is4kqkrwX3V7KGGEXKa3JBzqwDGY/s1600/SAM_5428.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc7KpgGxJkS4N7MygSDdRAJa19EHKrrxVjZCypltVQaWYd295vgnmII5r2Njf34UZOpGqSF45qk7Zx5Tav53pp-doWABaBIaSAN86KETLM48Jn02is4kqkrwX3V7KGGEXKa3JBzqwDGY/s640/SAM_5428.jpg" width="640"></a></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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCY6mByyAJvZmbbdpS_Ss7qr61iwfeOt1cIKZG1WXo_fUA_o0A6P1DJEfPzQrNxzn-zg1yGUAwBkdvDx9O5o1-xau7yybKQDyTDDOM8yP8OXjXXXk35KJoiAJTbLnUmpJvKThkij_QpQ/s1600/SAM_5439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCY6mByyAJvZmbbdpS_Ss7qr61iwfeOt1cIKZG1WXo_fUA_o0A6P1DJEfPzQrNxzn-zg1yGUAwBkdvDx9O5o1-xau7yybKQDyTDDOM8yP8OXjXXXk35KJoiAJTbLnUmpJvKThkij_QpQ/s640/SAM_5439.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the amazing skies we had oh my God we were truly blessed</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rfdgbq76POIZuviJda1nqP1-WldnY2C-_SCIiQ6vpBC_RKSW1An-mkwXbhKWFyqtvak6Nm3hU5NeVyMvXquc86AR08yD2rttZdmr9qa8tlWLW-r1nP5cTSsE4-5RTn65op5uCOcXBHw/s1600/SAM_5454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Rfdgbq76POIZuviJda1nqP1-WldnY2C-_SCIiQ6vpBC_RKSW1An-mkwXbhKWFyqtvak6Nm3hU5NeVyMvXquc86AR08yD2rttZdmr9qa8tlWLW-r1nP5cTSsE4-5RTn65op5uCOcXBHw/s640/SAM_5454.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1XioorlRMzDeroZk-SOb4YZZ7Gb0RIdH-45S7n9OJOVOfHAOjrkLHH6fhh11CgF_9FcBtcn7JO-FjbAaxCPJyHzcnZIizW1Zxz4SPQdgIKYWKG1xYlO9YzR3ghtoGX4PMcmIY_99yXU/s1600/SAM_5446.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1XioorlRMzDeroZk-SOb4YZZ7Gb0RIdH-45S7n9OJOVOfHAOjrkLHH6fhh11CgF_9FcBtcn7JO-FjbAaxCPJyHzcnZIizW1Zxz4SPQdgIKYWKG1xYlO9YzR3ghtoGX4PMcmIY_99yXU/s640/SAM_5446.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_05G6GV1eqOp51CkVK3i6R1uZk1G6jtLZb4ferPTVfi3iKSJ2CVqZr4M1ST5siy4z6D70Id6pRbdXaxtQVpyHYmf6lG4tA_pGAY9zzH-wbd5npkYwjuv37uOQ-jyGrkcsLgOGwuhwYrs/s1600/SAM_5443.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_05G6GV1eqOp51CkVK3i6R1uZk1G6jtLZb4ferPTVfi3iKSJ2CVqZr4M1ST5siy4z6D70Id6pRbdXaxtQVpyHYmf6lG4tA_pGAY9zzH-wbd5npkYwjuv37uOQ-jyGrkcsLgOGwuhwYrs/s640/SAM_5443.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwvTDRv6acVZMI8cH4KGr9kyqImPZEV2fveDpP1h64W_Aca6zQ_B2Bc2qswTfydsvzi9FDTZ_f28dnOMHrENFuS5tt60SlBrayL4n2iLu01a2DrkhOkdnsPFpAWMoKMMibZOEM63Lhjc/s1600/SAM_5440.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwvTDRv6acVZMI8cH4KGr9kyqImPZEV2fveDpP1h64W_Aca6zQ_B2Bc2qswTfydsvzi9FDTZ_f28dnOMHrENFuS5tt60SlBrayL4n2iLu01a2DrkhOkdnsPFpAWMoKMMibZOEM63Lhjc/s640/SAM_5440.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<br>Fun fact about the bridge pictured above: it's a one lane carriageway bridge, which basically means only one car fits on the bridge and there's no way another car can come in from the opposite direction. There was a bridge we passed by on the previous night which is reportedly the longest single-lane bridge on Iceland. Jonas urged us to play a game of "let's hold our breath until we get to the end of the bridge" to give an idea of how long the bridge was ー sadly my asthma-ridden lungs only lasted for maybe 30sec before I caved in and breathed in sweet, sweet oxygen. The rest of my companions either slept through the game or passed out from the lack of oxygen :P</div><div><br></div><div>When we passed through the Lake bridge again to make our way back to Reykjavik, we saw two cars coming from different directions with seemingly confused drivers - both didn't know who should give in first. "We have here a Mexican stand-off," Jonas joked. Whenever this happens, Jonas told us that you always give way to the car that was on the bridge first - I wonder how this would work for that long bridge we passed though; imagine having to reverse all the way to the start of the bridge in order to give way to the other car lol. </div><div><br></div><div>When we were finally satisfied with all the photos we took (I swear I took ten thousand photos), we reluctantly said our goodbye and made our way back to Reykjavik :(<br>
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On the way back to Reykjavik, our splendiferous guides tried their hardest to stop by any spots which they think might give us a second glimpse of the ever elusive Northern Lights. Seriously, I can't recommend Jonas and Aron enough, they clearly love their jobs and are extremely good at it. Even though we didn't manage to see the lights on the second night, we were happy that they were so dedicated to search for it. Bonus: we got to see the Milky Way! (Photo of said Milky Way will not be forthcoming due to frostbitten fingers and uncooperative tripod.)<br>
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When all is said and done, I'm truly glad I chose Arctic Adventures as the tour company to go for on this tour - partly because of the great tour guides and partly because of the great group. Hey, our tour guide voluntarily said that it was harder to part with a group that you've become attached to, which says something - although, it could also say that Jonas was an extremely skilled actor ;)<br>
(And yes, our tour guide was an actor, lol.)<br>
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Arctic Adventures dropped me off at my hostel and I sadly bade my farewell to them.<br>
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The next day would be another exciting day: snorkeling in winter!<br>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-6-south.html">Day 6 (South Coast & Skaftafell)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-8-snorkeling.html">Day 8 (Silfra Snorkeling & Aurora Hunt)</a><br>
<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
<br>Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-6807666419027805152016-01-28T19:36:00.004+08:002016-02-14T22:32:40.974+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 6: South Coast & SkaftafellToday was the day I bade goodbye to my newfound BLA friends, who were going back to Malaysia early in the morning while I would stay on in Iceland for another 3 days.<br>
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I was pretty nervous about continuing on the journey alone, as my "safety net" of having Malaysians around me is gone - that's the thrills and tribulations of travelling solo sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zone to truly experience another side of travelling you won't discover otherwise.<br>
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When I was researching about things to do in Iceland, my interest was immediately caught by two things: <a href="https://www.adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/snorkeling-and-diving/into-the-blue/" target="_blank">snorkeling in winter</a>, and <a href="https://www.adventures.is/iceland/multiday-tours/south-coast-adventures/south-coast-icecave-skaftafell-jokulsarlon/" target="_blank">ice caving</a>. I found these two activities offered by a lot of reputable companies, but in the end I went with <a href="https://www.adventures.is/" target="_blank">Arctic Adventures</a> just because I liked how they patiently and jokingly answered my emails (so yes kids, PR does play an important part in the company!). They were actually the pricier choice amongst the other companies, and I was initially nervous about going on a "group tour" because I'm not much of a tour person. But based on the TripAdvisor reviews, I closed my eyes and booked the aforementioned two tours with them.<br>
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The one I would be going to on this date was the 2-day South Coast & Ice Caving tour. So yes, I would be going on the South Coast tour <i>again</i>, lol.<br>
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I was picked up by the tour guides, Jonas & Aron, early in the morning at my hostel. There were eight people who were already picked up before me and as I took my seat after everyone said hello to me, the easygoing banter between the group immediately made me feel at ease. "Okay, off to a good start," I thought.<br>
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As I've mentioned before, the previous day it had snowed pretty heavily in Iceland, which turned the scenery into a winter wonderland. So even though I already went on the South Coast tour two days previously, I was amazed at how much the scenery could change with just a little bit (lol) of snow.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPGjyqtYAHzaM8dmUY9TEpKRmPmxehktjLBr0EBGBN_kEDV83_YIgZzhKrSJuPWvkK2rZbaGLyWX7giZhGd9O2H9hAaBJpuzo6AzJs5BFh4SPfORTAGGjC7tLYbwmckW6bCNlwHx9AAA/s1600/SAM_5108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPGjyqtYAHzaM8dmUY9TEpKRmPmxehktjLBr0EBGBN_kEDV83_YIgZzhKrSJuPWvkK2rZbaGLyWX7giZhGd9O2H9hAaBJpuzo6AzJs5BFh4SPfORTAGGjC7tLYbwmckW6bCNlwHx9AAA/s640/SAM_5108.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Wonderland!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO2TG33Bh3WY1hyMStHkzUev9QRLmpxFE7cGE-9Ch10IFahMAs7ByPjK1SnDHxYGEJRF4bSZXiRCdNko2S3r2J53_C8Q12f1K0VtKck3SNqYlUxuIt97_2StYgdGocCKYDbLhG_nqESU/s1600/SAM_5107.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO2TG33Bh3WY1hyMStHkzUev9QRLmpxFE7cGE-9Ch10IFahMAs7ByPjK1SnDHxYGEJRF4bSZXiRCdNko2S3r2J53_C8Q12f1K0VtKck3SNqYlUxuIt97_2StYgdGocCKYDbLhG_nqESU/s640/SAM_5107.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiZPXFS6XNhJ4Mx5rNbl62NQWvhPlHf3lK8LKfShAD5DlAyEvqkFvGCmQembpFgF9SwvjFbi_xL8ENaxNQv4BFfCDy9Hvf3rTk9LToWSTmP3oyitBZbg9lBzEgyk71PNPmUm3a9L2148/s1600/SAM_5093.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiZPXFS6XNhJ4Mx5rNbl62NQWvhPlHf3lK8LKfShAD5DlAyEvqkFvGCmQembpFgF9SwvjFbi_xL8ENaxNQv4BFfCDy9Hvf3rTk9LToWSTmP3oyitBZbg9lBzEgyk71PNPmUm3a9L2148/s640/SAM_5093.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6XV4IqqJcOuYCN9Lg43c4Nvtzb9GwK082cuXK0dEY9OES5EYXP8JH7M2NDN6WkTgxS6j2K5pWjPCIzw1ygnDxg8bdJWWNG73he1yUNcfxT2oLAT9Cq1VADfzOCioEVcqQvDgVKLGIuw/s1600/gopr1249.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6XV4IqqJcOuYCN9Lg43c4Nvtzb9GwK082cuXK0dEY9OES5EYXP8JH7M2NDN6WkTgxS6j2K5pWjPCIzw1ygnDxg8bdJWWNG73he1yUNcfxT2oLAT9Cq1VADfzOCioEVcqQvDgVKLGIuw/s640/gopr1249.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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The snow made Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss look even more amazing when we were there. I still wasn't mad enough to go and stand behind Seljalandsfoss for a good picture :P I just recovered from a cold, so I wasn't going to make myself miserable a second time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE3NU6KdsagG2FVBXPMQPA9FIDtPeaLMraSbTLUEbt3R44EvXLIKiPcIR6yfnFEscLEFS7RoTF4aN1zPLXdbSoMsd-UCl8Mo5qw8p1m5wBcu6z_g_uT0Ap3eQVyOHRi5JZshowQrHsEg/s1600/SAM_5118.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE3NU6KdsagG2FVBXPMQPA9FIDtPeaLMraSbTLUEbt3R44EvXLIKiPcIR6yfnFEscLEFS7RoTF4aN1zPLXdbSoMsd-UCl8Mo5qw8p1m5wBcu6z_g_uT0Ap3eQVyOHRi5JZshowQrHsEg/s640/SAM_5118.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRrk-2ZxlWYWgmolWJ7po98AtAvKvBAtz22ZX5R8QYn-NQryFV0AGvm89d8Zuhi_6Fd57I84pbdsJAsgjdom7LpAInpN1dMHR6mGHy_2t293huTjwFAGhcz7_meB_Oynb8oy92zv4zdM/s1600/gopr1268.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRrk-2ZxlWYWgmolWJ7po98AtAvKvBAtz22ZX5R8QYn-NQryFV0AGvm89d8Zuhi_6Fd57I84pbdsJAsgjdom7LpAInpN1dMHR6mGHy_2t293huTjwFAGhcz7_meB_Oynb8oy92zv4zdM/s640/gopr1268.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Even Vik looks almost completely different when it's covered in snow. Skipped lunch to go explore around Vik since I was sick the last time we went to Vik and Reynisfjara. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9imEw74qrHU6EOpqtipLducBci-cSUqNwootSt4aafSCMqum-2lpJyj98v73yfA6gOLwQgut04MMe2kmAM3dPZlaIZiIwAHyu42fAIziNxwH-y_eDBXrWhKcsgozukXaJMM5rs7vW-6A/s1600/SAM_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9imEw74qrHU6EOpqtipLducBci-cSUqNwootSt4aafSCMqum-2lpJyj98v73yfA6gOLwQgut04MMe2kmAM3dPZlaIZiIwAHyu42fAIziNxwH-y_eDBXrWhKcsgozukXaJMM5rs7vW-6A/s640/SAM_5195.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj1Rs2lbiltpO4Olq8DhiDkVECI_jiaCghkqO9_EcUPtMF9em3yMxeJ-ppKBcgPp_QvigpLEh4bXBReMfnS3mGdpghPDc22-8JrrIAkRTEtx4b79EEUZYKC-j3aMj6biL56urkO69Ygw/s1600/SAM_5185.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj1Rs2lbiltpO4Olq8DhiDkVECI_jiaCghkqO9_EcUPtMF9em3yMxeJ-ppKBcgPp_QvigpLEh4bXBReMfnS3mGdpghPDc22-8JrrIAkRTEtx4b79EEUZYKC-j3aMj6biL56urkO69Ygw/s640/SAM_5185.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBHw8TWME-oqCtDy5vfZlOAXWM8608EL1yRo_eOLuo28l-npgpybvykiopxq31ODeJQGifD1gJFKjOfNfUVJ4QJqt6fQrzWx2t2A6gRW1f9FofdEopB6AdtSkCOBrj8aExneZgOmRIMU/s1600/SAM_5137.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBHw8TWME-oqCtDy5vfZlOAXWM8608EL1yRo_eOLuo28l-npgpybvykiopxq31ODeJQGifD1gJFKjOfNfUVJ4QJqt6fQrzWx2t2A6gRW1f9FofdEopB6AdtSkCOBrj8aExneZgOmRIMU/s640/SAM_5137.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0OCRCqRuvK2MS20nP_pEEs9Vmhl6ad5Fc_TsUtQXKZV72S4zs6fgal1A_nQN6L4CQNhwQseIv1e-vhLXktbdLwnK5nkLJLLV0Uq7H3syPRAEosiYWgxaKQLW6KBbpHkNt07bsldzB7M/s1600/SAM_5161.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0OCRCqRuvK2MS20nP_pEEs9Vmhl6ad5Fc_TsUtQXKZV72S4zs6fgal1A_nQN6L4CQNhwQseIv1e-vhLXktbdLwnK5nkLJLLV0Uq7H3syPRAEosiYWgxaKQLW6KBbpHkNt07bsldzB7M/s640/SAM_5161.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I was so happy I finally got the chance to go to Reynisfjara! I slept on the bus when the tour group went there the last time, plus the tour guide mentioned that the sea was really rough so they didn't allow people to go down to the beach as the tides are deceptively strong. There have been cases where tourists got way too close to the waves - those who were fortunate only got wet as a result, but there were those who weren't so lucky and got swept away by the waves and drowned as a result. </div>
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Arctic Adventures gave similar warnings on this day, although the waves weren't as rough and so we were able to get close to the basalt columns and got to stay around the area for a while.</div>
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Did I mention that we were blessed with amazingly clear and sunny weather while we were on the 2-days tour? Seriously, the previous 5 days we only saw the sun maybe 2 or 3 times; but on this day onwards, the sky was amazingly clear (so much so that we saw the often-elusive Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano which caused a massive cease&desist to the European flight operations back in 2010, idk you might've seen it in the news lulz), we saw the sun, we saw the beautiful horizon far off into the distance.<br>
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I mean, when even your tour guide tells you that you're blessed with the weather, you know you've got it good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs44iArnv8joiAfiIeubJ3KBdfs9PXsEob5I55MJplFY3WcIlQvHBwb21WvsyfbScnvcD6_pdGKCX6qsACEuKvf7qLLxRl8D6_8mWWxPDimmKbLPwvWwqKLI7IoreX-aSOfmugvWXWzFI/s1600/SAM_5141.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs44iArnv8joiAfiIeubJ3KBdfs9PXsEob5I55MJplFY3WcIlQvHBwb21WvsyfbScnvcD6_pdGKCX6qsACEuKvf7qLLxRl8D6_8mWWxPDimmKbLPwvWwqKLI7IoreX-aSOfmugvWXWzFI/s640/SAM_5141.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUknLMQU_7WZv4d7PHXIirBjP-LAzFSBby8xaOS5pkhirV07BYUwMBBndBrQhzmCKfRO6cHaN73sHkuHcoZkyvC4FItMcdEJUKA8kbamjGGaJBLex0UP5tk6d3CPH_o6zyn791Kq4EcCU/s1600/SAM_5153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUknLMQU_7WZv4d7PHXIirBjP-LAzFSBby8xaOS5pkhirV07BYUwMBBndBrQhzmCKfRO6cHaN73sHkuHcoZkyvC4FItMcdEJUKA8kbamjGGaJBLex0UP5tk6d3CPH_o6zyn791Kq4EcCU/s640/SAM_5153.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only two days ago, this wouldn't have been as visible from the basalt columns.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM0CcILsWNfmR6v10stXDhvCTnNHzV5Rb_7et106MxT4LpDEpas5WHW-y0cGoXoR2DlDVES96SWs_ZaaBB4CJIba9MbDQt4LgkJ-NncaLaSn4JZiYsqT2GKoNfUze9rWjzYz_Qxp3EM4/s1600/SAM_5144.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM0CcILsWNfmR6v10stXDhvCTnNHzV5Rb_7et106MxT4LpDEpas5WHW-y0cGoXoR2DlDVES96SWs_ZaaBB4CJIba9MbDQt4LgkJ-NncaLaSn4JZiYsqT2GKoNfUze9rWjzYz_Qxp3EM4/s640/SAM_5144.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUTi5I-_EGDZ7eu1hvlNDc8sElTuzjYP2FQ2bGmmBum2MNc_vVjgZvHTbGquBcneVqPIIUVNztarnqQq80UWv_ai8GMSkfdAnw0Xf5WCm4H7_u-27PL5FtyJenj5oe3HDSoigBYXhv7g/s1600/SAM_5143.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUTi5I-_EGDZ7eu1hvlNDc8sElTuzjYP2FQ2bGmmBum2MNc_vVjgZvHTbGquBcneVqPIIUVNztarnqQq80UWv_ai8GMSkfdAnw0Xf5WCm4H7_u-27PL5FtyJenj5oe3HDSoigBYXhv7g/s640/SAM_5143.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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After a packed day, Jonas and Aron took us to Skaftafell Hotel, which was to be our hotel for the night. We had a great dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where we got to know each other by asking all sorts of invasive questions lol jk. Honestly, the group synergy was pretty great with this tour group. I am initially a really shy person when I first meet someone (SHOCK HORROR FROM ALL FRIENDS WHO KNOWS ME PERSONALLY) , so I would usually be pretty quiet and probably give people the impression of the "typical" oppressed Muslim girl (lol, not) (also I put quote unquote for a reason). But this group of people had some really great energy and even though I think I was feeling a bit awkward at the start, the group just clicked at some point. Our group basically consisted of 3 American couples (well, technically one couple was an Aussie and an American, buttttt it'll take too long to explain), a guy from Hong Kong, two elderly ladies who were school teachers and who have been best friends for <i>yonks </i>and travelling together since who-knows-when (#friendshipgoals), two postgrad students from America (sensing a pattern here?), a solo female traveller from America (hi Haley!), <i>et</i> <i>moi</i>. So yeah I was pretty much surrounded by Americans lol. It was just the right number of people though, because it really felt like a tight-knit group by the end of the tour - I love how travel brings everyone together :')<br>
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After dinner, Jonas & Aron gave us a tool for our night walk - headlamps. Our mission, should we wish to accept it: northern lights hunting!<br>
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As the weather has been so accommodating with us throughout the day, we were really hoping that the weather would once again favour us with some aurora borealis display. When the guides gave us the headlamps, I was imagining a brave, arduous night trek through a dense forest with campfires going on while we wait for the lights to show up.<br>
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...we literally just walked through the backdoor gate to trek the hotel's backyard.<br>
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Ah, naive, imaginative me.<br>
(I was really hoping for the campfire too.)<br>
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The trek wasn't hard, although we couldn't really see much as we had to keep any light pollution to a minimum in order for our guides to try and catch the lights.<br>
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Less than 5 minutes into our walk, we already saw some glimmer of the aurora dancing in the sky.<br>
SERIOUSLY, IT'S BEEN LIKE A 5 MINUTES' WALK BEHIND THE HOTEL'S BACKYARD, ICELAND, SLOW IT DOWN A BIT OMG. (no no don't slow it down omg iwannaseemoreeee) (seriously how amazing is the hotel's "backyard"? God there's even a lake in the mountains and everything I hate you Iceland)<br>
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Once we caught a glimpse of that green glimmer, we (ok fine,<b><i> I</i></b>) shrieked and hastened our steps to start our chase for real. We parked ourselves at a spot recommended by our guides (our ever-lovely patient and super awesome guides who told us Icelandic legends and nightmares while we were waiting for the skies to dance for us), and got our camera gears ready for action.<br>
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(Never have I cursed my ineptitude with a tripod & DSLR than at that moment - I swear I'll improve my camera skills. Maybe. Hopefully. We'll see.)<br>
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Although my photography skills are shoddy, the photos do speak for themselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGx4Xb_Rn0lkz5uvYjaJ-T8HXQJGCambHuRhsCK-XMy1IPReKGvJqcXjzV7MiXTiWHlcuBZ_2VT1bz2YfEaxqClkOefAIDq9u0G_UdywJ3OoGGZy7pYdwFEIX2DBIHZVpS-NT_F9SpL0/s1600/SAM_5214-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGx4Xb_Rn0lkz5uvYjaJ-T8HXQJGCambHuRhsCK-XMy1IPReKGvJqcXjzV7MiXTiWHlcuBZ_2VT1bz2YfEaxqClkOefAIDq9u0G_UdywJ3OoGGZy7pYdwFEIX2DBIHZVpS-NT_F9SpL0/s640/SAM_5214-2.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEgb-KNaLlqyBPhaTgXSR6_W4JjObj-0NugEg7mz-Hr-Zu7ryhScCxSMIR6IcSupNMMIE-WXFgBWWMcQviNTTpxuaX9wUb3kbfJGMGhMC-Fbsyn6Pc-XhasB1V4b_yrTBEUE6JqBmMfk/s1600/SAM_5212-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEgb-KNaLlqyBPhaTgXSR6_W4JjObj-0NugEg7mz-Hr-Zu7ryhScCxSMIR6IcSupNMMIE-WXFgBWWMcQviNTTpxuaX9wUb3kbfJGMGhMC-Fbsyn6Pc-XhasB1V4b_yrTBEUE6JqBmMfk/s640/SAM_5212-2.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfprE3yD4cL0Nm_J4PNGMbLmUS12Hz2aJCDNa1Gtl59JP6PWnKzxfrLe216vdY69GUFKg5w6BKRlWuQW-89-MVF-hKPMBujYa9TRLijTexv0eb14ehUnwND4SGHTlEYRKNZ74T4Ajxo_Q/s1600/SAM_5210-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfprE3yD4cL0Nm_J4PNGMbLmUS12Hz2aJCDNa1Gtl59JP6PWnKzxfrLe216vdY69GUFKg5w6BKRlWuQW-89-MVF-hKPMBujYa9TRLijTexv0eb14ehUnwND4SGHTlEYRKNZ74T4Ajxo_Q/s640/SAM_5210-2.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I think we stayed there for maybe an hour or two (although it really felt like maybe 30 minutes - the cold cold weather did its damnedest to remind us of the time though), and we made our way back to our hotel for some much-needed sleep (it has been a really, really packed day but honestly I would do it all over again if I had to).<br>
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The hotel offers service of a wake-up call if the lights ever show up in the middle of the night, and Jonas did recommend for us to wake up around 3am to see a stronger show - honestly, I really wanted to, but the flu really got to me and I fell asleep almost immediately. I wish I did wake up at 3am though, because one of the girls who did wake up told me over breakfast that the lights were definitely stronger T_T<br>
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But I've gotta say, with what we were able to see on this tour, I was really satisfied by how day 1 was going. The next day was looking really promising.<br>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-5-golden.html">Day 5 (Golden Circle Tour)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-7-ice-caving.html">Day 7 (Ice Caving & Jökulsárlón Lagoon) </a><br>
<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a>Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-6245302720258178212016-01-22T07:53:00.003+08:002016-02-01T17:07:45.291+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 5: Golden Circle Tour<div>
Having slept through the whole night on the previous day, I woke up on day five feeling much better. Thank God for my travel mates who came well-prepared with medications :D;<br />
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Fortunately for us (and maybe slightly unfortunate for me who's recovering from a cold lol), it snowed heavily the night before, so the landscapes in Iceland has turned into a Winter Wonderland, basically. It does make for a picturesque view, so no complaints from me!<br />
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My last day with the BLA group started off with the Golden Circle tour, which is the most popular tour in Iceland and is considered as a quintessential introduction to Iceland's natural wonders.<br />
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The first stop on the tour was <b>Thingvellir National Park, </b>an important historical location for Iceland as the oldest existing parliament in the world gathered here back in 630 AD - little wonder it's listed as a UNESCO world heritage! The park itself has some beautiful geological formation and houses the Thingvellir Lake, where you can go for a scuba dive or even a snorkeling session. Yes, even in winter - I should know, because I was mad enough to go snorkeling here a few days later :P<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf06gwT6SuvmvdkR7Q2e0BfsbzQV5H_LHLiBtqJuXqMxjmZTUaLifyclIAlbSH3eaD8PRrkO98ZI3i1ZmpnaTIvxDv6bvlrFE59JjAYUkRS0PKA_9pQku4DdFnLIu3NXhvQQN2XM1yfA/s1600/SAM_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf06gwT6SuvmvdkR7Q2e0BfsbzQV5H_LHLiBtqJuXqMxjmZTUaLifyclIAlbSH3eaD8PRrkO98ZI3i1ZmpnaTIvxDv6bvlrFE59JjAYUkRS0PKA_9pQku4DdFnLIu3NXhvQQN2XM1yfA/s640/SAM_5003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like 10am in the morning but you can still see the moon in the horizon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QmW20x_6vz6WVQxA9Jc-ixRnKOsllIpgkJi2K-MJbWXbhRYdMYgQUV4oMvxk78aIhJhoOqj9UN83K7MF1Rs_NalnILq_j5oZvAyEJrlOWxUOrEZHGaBexuS-Itn-Sxn_x6PoXy8pYoA/s1600/SAM_5012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QmW20x_6vz6WVQxA9Jc-ixRnKOsllIpgkJi2K-MJbWXbhRYdMYgQUV4oMvxk78aIhJhoOqj9UN83K7MF1Rs_NalnILq_j5oZvAyEJrlOWxUOrEZHGaBexuS-Itn-Sxn_x6PoXy8pYoA/s640/SAM_5012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2xVuIaOrGo5l_PdcavxYhmygvo3KlGN9Wsu7WTVVjfc_um4yI3BMIVWKeOLzBKSPu6gNKMbpXeIZBifq9jvpqMQzJ8TI8X4G3SOd2-vxICm9gPXGNbDW5ydyBhMPizUjdFfcVbnOlQA/s1600/SAM_5009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2xVuIaOrGo5l_PdcavxYhmygvo3KlGN9Wsu7WTVVjfc_um4yI3BMIVWKeOLzBKSPu6gNKMbpXeIZBifq9jvpqMQzJ8TI8X4G3SOd2-vxICm9gPXGNbDW5ydyBhMPizUjdFfcVbnOlQA/s640/SAM_5009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These houses are situated around the area where the oldest existing parliament was! Can you imagine? Also, we were told by the guide that there were a few houses within the Park which burnt down / got destroyed, but they couldn't rebuild it on the park grounds anymore as it's now a UNESCO heritage site and well protected under the governmental laws (I think, a bit hazy on the details, and I don't pretend to know how their laws work lol)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PCsscT_g37jKtuk15ToYEcH-e__AbzxVaObWxSuanjjd8u6VL5GYw97H2Sxkwojy7MfNXQRtmiekNaMomNuUlSXXWRInXs4d0bQaK8v_eMQBZPrVE3MGN1k_1AMQoPnAxc_GgJhnngw/s1600/SAM_5008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PCsscT_g37jKtuk15ToYEcH-e__AbzxVaObWxSuanjjd8u6VL5GYw97H2Sxkwojy7MfNXQRtmiekNaMomNuUlSXXWRInXs4d0bQaK8v_eMQBZPrVE3MGN1k_1AMQoPnAxc_GgJhnngw/s640/SAM_5008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter wonderland</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfBeJ62dIHdyWuyJCoREl7jPXOCHIA7P51ciFuC9N-EByxj0hfHpQR_6GDXH2sklWhFAxYR9mYyUdiOIF089qFUdQyXWyYl1jixoCQx4AXnnCMccH7zky0_ZSMpDJuJNmhPPG1gs7Qbw/s1600/SAM_5010.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfBeJ62dIHdyWuyJCoREl7jPXOCHIA7P51ciFuC9N-EByxj0hfHpQR_6GDXH2sklWhFAxYR9mYyUdiOIF089qFUdQyXWyYl1jixoCQx4AXnnCMccH7zky0_ZSMpDJuJNmhPPG1gs7Qbw/s640/SAM_5010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8AY4kbDy6Y6HRkHalFsWouHzF4WbHKwkYwfMe7bXMHR1u6sjlrXBuehQ8IGoBKjGQigf6N9QX4ZfJSZWqR6oA2O8uP4EiZs7fLD1vViDUJWhMSu9u878dLNAPmBA52L0yRfvHExn8Ok/s1600/SAM_5015.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8AY4kbDy6Y6HRkHalFsWouHzF4WbHKwkYwfMe7bXMHR1u6sjlrXBuehQ8IGoBKjGQigf6N9QX4ZfJSZWqR6oA2O8uP4EiZs7fLD1vViDUJWhMSu9u878dLNAPmBA52L0yRfvHExn8Ok/s640/SAM_5015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fBanbQOSsdDsmQqKGNpLTq0r97tiaIu3aW60dyVfHGvHvv_PuZ9hXvPrxgkz1vX421xapooH5Iz4xPP8CAb00lRnGKYFZP0rya2wgnM2ZKshZBny41TNIh64yVgflNPd34mv7ieYZNg/s1600/SAM_5019.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fBanbQOSsdDsmQqKGNpLTq0r97tiaIu3aW60dyVfHGvHvv_PuZ9hXvPrxgkz1vX421xapooH5Iz4xPP8CAb00lRnGKYFZP0rya2wgnM2ZKshZBny41TNIh64yVgflNPd34mv7ieYZNg/s640/SAM_5019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The walk through the park was freeezing oh my God this was truly the first day where I really, really felt the cold getting to me (numb hands and all) - it was -9 degrees when we were at the park (lol and here I am, dreaming about going to Greenland in winter when the temperature is even lower than -9deg lololol). The weather, however, was blissfully beautiful. It was the first "bright" day we've had in days, so even though it was freezing cold, it was at least a clear beautiful day.</div>
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We made our way to the <b>Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre</b>, a family-run greenhouse and one of the main distributors of tomatoes in Iceland. Due to Iceland's often unpredictable weather, the greenhouse was designed to run even throughout the winter season with its artificial lightings. The greenhouse also has a cafe inside - there we bought a cup of tomato soup to see what the fuss is all about. (And yes, the soup comes in a cup - perhaps it's for easier bread dipping.) </div>
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Maybe it's partly because of the cold or partly because we were hungry, but the hot tomato soup was seriously delicious! They even serve bloody mary and virgin mary - we went there in the morning and saw some people ordering it already lol.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLqwIdxnrTUsN11EpPleA7WSLnG22g1XU4VYxVgVkzJ_cmdkPKgzj-lwxEWTYTO5dwwAKG8it1N59FH6dVnbVF5Ol-EW-IaED4myFbw6R4kkIoAde1ukg0Y55FwrlLCPj4LcsTCEuD0M/s1600/SAM_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoCPmFe5Hv7BtBL2LN4o1de62ZiZIscNMm5BNXab8qt-3Kw9LGEleSzpsVtTLJULhrrvkjaOT5GNP2y7sqQMZDDat0li9SrUjqQCyAy8K39KlXcrSC0FCS1Jp6gdDLUz0qUbEGKcCH9s/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoCPmFe5Hv7BtBL2LN4o1de62ZiZIscNMm5BNXab8qt-3Kw9LGEleSzpsVtTLJULhrrvkjaOT5GNP2y7sqQMZDDat0li9SrUjqQCyAy8K39KlXcrSC0FCS1Jp6gdDLUz0qUbEGKcCH9s/s640/IMG_1764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the visit to the greenhouse, we then made our way to the <b>Geysir</b>! The Geysir hot spring is basically where all other geysers get their names from, as it's the first geysir to have an official printed documentations on it. I felt like this was probably one of the more touristy sites in Iceland lol - people-watching was fun here: watching the people gathering around the geysir waiting for it erupt, ready with their camera or phones and other related gadgets, trying to gauge when it will erupt so that they can get a selfie in. Still, when it did erupt, it was quite a spectacle! (And everyone (yours truly included) predictably went "oooohhhh".)<br />
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We recharged and had lunch here at the food court / restaurant before making our way to the final stop of the day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8vl6tYrDznuuwoV99U9PUNMjtAg_LmT0mv84iiZ7_hOS98HZ3Fl2vTSuy9qwgYK1_aeRWRHkPJrp1DEHxbkf4cOicXXOJueTlED0ZqqDkHMeh5PKIe2zsiH8bjJ0-oJ-3C7zfxMe2RY/s1600/SAM_5048.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8vl6tYrDznuuwoV99U9PUNMjtAg_LmT0mv84iiZ7_hOS98HZ3Fl2vTSuy9qwgYK1_aeRWRHkPJrp1DEHxbkf4cOicXXOJueTlED0ZqqDkHMeh5PKIe2zsiH8bjJ0-oJ-3C7zfxMe2RY/s640/SAM_5048.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_cUq4BVjv-ZX6G4Ska5X1D7N0bH0fZKQRVSOEqOBs-z5DaXO-fXAO9Y93g1tIvQtHy3QxsHE5iEKsgshMfcnvxqAIlzphVCVKbg0sJn7wecLxGkCrg3mWYip73MMjTGbHe7pSxwL_c/s1600/geysir01.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_cUq4BVjv-ZX6G4Ska5X1D7N0bH0fZKQRVSOEqOBs-z5DaXO-fXAO9Y93g1tIvQtHy3QxsHE5iEKsgshMfcnvxqAIlzphVCVKbg0sJn7wecLxGkCrg3mWYip73MMjTGbHe7pSxwL_c/s640/geysir01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory shaky group selfie</td></tr>
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Our final stop of the day was my favourite - the <b>Gulfoss </b>waterfall was beautiful! As we reached there right before the sun descends into the horizon, the lighting was spectacular. We didn't have much time to explore around the area, but the view of the waterfall from the top was enough to satisfy us for the day. I would love to come here again and descend some of the steps towards the bottom of the waterfall (which the guide told us was not advisable during winter, as the steps can get pretty slippery).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghllViuc0dFydFNQIf6XqTB20eivUzsbBMzoN0VXPj3IaxSTKnwTJZ7oNPRlk16uNnYsn647P7FEyydIW3FVCR-sD5D97vCVPUVFiiPoACTUfsyhOB1YXXGZ1EKm3xpbAjr3T0g9GOC10/s1600/SAM_5065.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghllViuc0dFydFNQIf6XqTB20eivUzsbBMzoN0VXPj3IaxSTKnwTJZ7oNPRlk16uNnYsn647P7FEyydIW3FVCR-sD5D97vCVPUVFiiPoACTUfsyhOB1YXXGZ1EKm3xpbAjr3T0g9GOC10/s640/SAM_5065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory selfie</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC_v-W_VwsTdTgLQGm1oZoz2fPh57q25EwEzbr1vA2ctY2iiT54mxb6msprb-hRbfoG0Pw0xyPyVkktGp2J6-ZSjQvJQt4xozAPhfRUVK_90QwfYePsfGbq34rVGWjoNS4x39xCRE4uw/s1600/SAM_5061.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC_v-W_VwsTdTgLQGm1oZoz2fPh57q25EwEzbr1vA2ctY2iiT54mxb6msprb-hRbfoG0Pw0xyPyVkktGp2J6-ZSjQvJQt4xozAPhfRUVK_90QwfYePsfGbq34rVGWjoNS4x39xCRE4uw/s640/SAM_5061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfL3v_vN8qrMHaarqASNEQMI3xZiQ_vjKtUiKRgaBrKtZAG2vLXVbdv442krkaokt1BP0nHXHseWjyHizJoYNy-g7QNTQJsnm8Wnyo8S08YmSY60xqYv8GwINu_djTmxoX9aK9XIWjZM/s1600/SAM_5072.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfL3v_vN8qrMHaarqASNEQMI3xZiQ_vjKtUiKRgaBrKtZAG2vLXVbdv442krkaokt1BP0nHXHseWjyHizJoYNy-g7QNTQJsnm8Wnyo8S08YmSY60xqYv8GwINu_djTmxoX9aK9XIWjZM/s640/SAM_5072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbjoqXbUuCgSacah3mZ_AqMU3fV05_xjyrpgeOXhsLHjMrWUv-eSQpxGMinoKSTAqTAQLDLe7kZPK8XffzonorzFF-lh3DPPatuBVRe3hb0_5YDnuk3Wx8ZkeyKWJ347bwwLAmVSbT4I/s1600/SAM_5066.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbjoqXbUuCgSacah3mZ_AqMU3fV05_xjyrpgeOXhsLHjMrWUv-eSQpxGMinoKSTAqTAQLDLe7kZPK8XffzonorzFF-lh3DPPatuBVRe3hb0_5YDnuk3Wx8ZkeyKWJ347bwwLAmVSbT4I/s640/SAM_5066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And with that, we ended the Golden Circle Tour and made our way back to our hostel. The next day I would have to say goodbye to my group of new-found friends as they head back to Malaysia :'(<br />
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-4-south.html">Day 4 (South Shore Tour)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-6-south.html">Day 6 (South Shore & Skaftafell)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
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<br />Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-57996519813751834672016-01-17T18:12:00.000+08:002016-02-01T17:07:54.940+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 4: South Shore Tour<div>
I started off Day 4 with a cold - good job, body, good job.<br />
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Even with the cold, I wasn't going to miss the South Shore tour, because I've been looking forward to this tour when I read about the descriptions of the places we were going to.<br />
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Our tour was conducted by Reykjavik Excursions - to be honest I've had my reservations about the tour company because I've read a lot of negative experiences with them over at TripAdvisor. But since the tour company was already booked, there was nothing else we could do other than proceed with the trip.<br />
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Having gone on three of their tours (Reykjavik City Tour, South Shore Tour & Golden Circle Tour), my fears were unfounded. Most of the negative reviews were from people who were not picked up from their accommodation and the bus somehow missed them or something along those lines - the company stated clearly that you're supposed to be at the pickup point of your hotel 30min prior to the tour start time so there must be some kind of miscommunication for certain people. So yeah, a lot of problems in that regards, but thankfully we didn't have any problem with the company.<br />
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The guides on all three tours were great (especially loved our Golden Circle tour guide), and even though I don't usually like these type of bus tours, the tour company allowed us ample time to experience each sites. I would've loved a longer time to thoroughly see every angle of each sites, but then we wouldn't have been able to cover so much ground.<br />
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Our first stop on this particular tour was the <b>Seljalandsfoss </b>waterfall (<i>foss </i>- Icelandic word for waterfall), which is one of the more well-known waterfalls in Iceland. You can go and walk behind the waterfall, but beware: you will most definitely get wet lol. As I was nursing a cold in its early stages, I decided not to take my chance and stayed in front of the waterfall. (Takyah nak fefeeling Kajol & SRK sangat time winter aih - time summer boleh laaaa.) Plus it was already drizzling at this point of time, so there was no point of me getting even wetter haha.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOtjteOOZzcxmiVWYbc_CpwDnhMV-VpQoBnFkgv-ml8aL0Lk6EKeS27gqjRhfeuBgTEcG5uC-NZ0F4lgzIin0Tgw_qaYRj8yXghk-R5JDPTz5BbbaXCDM-KFF8HPMo8CqbyCKnExrUCA/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOtjteOOZzcxmiVWYbc_CpwDnhMV-VpQoBnFkgv-ml8aL0Lk6EKeS27gqjRhfeuBgTEcG5uC-NZ0F4lgzIin0Tgw_qaYRj8yXghk-R5JDPTz5BbbaXCDM-KFF8HPMo8CqbyCKnExrUCA/s640/IMG_1756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory selfie :D (Pic credit: Anis BLA)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uTfTpldNJ1KRwd8aLvf3uju-W_ICaCzzENP4KQ0BeqTvS0h-yHsYmiTFc3G8264MEfVkpK0_20jU33aPYlP6bWUkw9wHId8Biy3jrZLQ9zA6HaCg258em5m_3Mno-KAq_ZmM1ry10yU/s1600/gopr0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uTfTpldNJ1KRwd8aLvf3uju-W_ICaCzzENP4KQ0BeqTvS0h-yHsYmiTFc3G8264MEfVkpK0_20jU33aPYlP6bWUkw9wHId8Biy3jrZLQ9zA6HaCg258em5m_3Mno-KAq_ZmM1ry10yU/s640/gopr0435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how massive the waterfall is compared to the people standing on the LHS & RHS. You have to be there to experience the awe-inspiring sight.<br />
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Our next stop was <b>Skógafoss</b>, another famous waterfall in South Iceland. You will always see pictures of this waterfall accompanied by a rainbow (given the right timing). Luck was not on our side, as the weather was still pretty gloomy so no rainbow party unfortunately. Still, even the incessantly somber weather doesn't take away the beauty of the waterfalls we visited.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzqUu25PC9D0m5yXGm2PMMp5Cwpe8Id9WFmWE7_zLdgdMRHw4pBiOKC-dw91BplJnPu3lfjZZr8Y7hny83pgTfE9-4sXI0sTr2C7lvhxf74VlBn9QJ66mYgRcW6FuQsZOScqUcjVtwyE/s1600/SAM_4947.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzqUu25PC9D0m5yXGm2PMMp5Cwpe8Id9WFmWE7_zLdgdMRHw4pBiOKC-dw91BplJnPu3lfjZZr8Y7hny83pgTfE9-4sXI0sTr2C7lvhxf74VlBn9QJ66mYgRcW6FuQsZOScqUcjVtwyE/s640/SAM_4947.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWEnqi4ghZhup1g7yAGuE1E6MnhFKAze1eIFi5jVNJHj64GKVc72qYIO3wDWNLnFTIz0kglCERSZtG6-BevLHerCsQFeCX29Z6x9yDnehPwq3Aul5evEWF112UoStZ6dHRaXJnz3zSgA/s1600/SAM_4951.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWEnqi4ghZhup1g7yAGuE1E6MnhFKAze1eIFi5jVNJHj64GKVc72qYIO3wDWNLnFTIz0kglCERSZtG6-BevLHerCsQFeCX29Z6x9yDnehPwq3Aul5evEWF112UoStZ6dHRaXJnz3zSgA/s640/SAM_4951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next stop for the day was the <b>Sólheimajökull </b>glacier (<i>jökull </i>- Icelandic for glacier). Our guide told us that a couple years back, you would only have to walk a few hundred meters to reach the glacier. Now you would have to trek at least 15 minutes to see the glacier, which has been forming for thousands of years. Seriously guys, global warming is real :( I feel sad for our future generation if the current trend keeps on going.<br />
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For now, you still have the option of hiking up the glacier should you wish to do so (I opted for another ice caving and hike up the Vatnajokull glacier instead) - so do go and view the beautiful glaciers before it all completely melts away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00yW6g_cJmztg8RHtmpoYCqcUo8BEkd3t7osTjtEHWN_KPxfEl7D4kAog28tr1q2kz1TEUbOqtRLS8875ZvHFYIKfpLmq3c3GhjkCI2A9fw78joMPOrdU5Tk6SA3tUwsjv4V1GXPFhQ/s1600/gopr0667.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00yW6g_cJmztg8RHtmpoYCqcUo8BEkd3t7osTjtEHWN_KPxfEl7D4kAog28tr1q2kz1TEUbOqtRLS8875ZvHFYIKfpLmq3c3GhjkCI2A9fw78joMPOrdU5Tk6SA3tUwsjv4V1GXPFhQ/s640/gopr0667.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH1JVXx9z452oSb0hqUuQwNrrdVr6RP_xXZNIAGRcduT-zR5OW_paiuhuX6R1WYKfwFcx96ktj60fYkqzW87CX0Lj-71IYO1huTAIbjuZ0BeHYVg6t0v8zaj5TZhVypt8l7Vr31UloY8/s1600/gopr0593.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhH1JVXx9z452oSb0hqUuQwNrrdVr6RP_xXZNIAGRcduT-zR5OW_paiuhuX6R1WYKfwFcx96ktj60fYkqzW87CX0Lj-71IYO1huTAIbjuZ0BeHYVg6t0v8zaj5TZhVypt8l7Vr31UloY8/s640/gopr0593.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uu2HG18z8mNI0DWyeIoQzYiBwxRDARa5IYfxCLtUyi2Xmkd8eNa6jqkw4sw2GBUQ1RyiwXjQefXe888CoIVXpGaqZiWtfj09LtXkVJa44B9SMpbxdEZA5glomD09U8rJFePmnZbkDfU/s1600/gopr0554.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uu2HG18z8mNI0DWyeIoQzYiBwxRDARa5IYfxCLtUyi2Xmkd8eNa6jqkw4sw2GBUQ1RyiwXjQefXe888CoIVXpGaqZiWtfj09LtXkVJa44B9SMpbxdEZA5glomD09U8rJFePmnZbkDfU/s640/gopr0554.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JDutiScedE3_ibihOEP9tWRYX9dfTwD-dt2vHngHgFb56_gP8TPiX3hwIsadsET4IlZYIGhqnKtlXKksWGP72fTi5OygadufjiiugeLkxWcStC2IkYFcg00hVKsgPoOXct9O8kUF12I/s1600/SAM_4961.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JDutiScedE3_ibihOEP9tWRYX9dfTwD-dt2vHngHgFb56_gP8TPiX3hwIsadsET4IlZYIGhqnKtlXKksWGP72fTi5OygadufjiiugeLkxWcStC2IkYFcg00hVKsgPoOXct9O8kUF12I/s640/SAM_4961.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAz3RN42dShxejkA8zPoPSwn9MjixHzEDagwlPs5v0vZjT9XZAS2yob4CcTUS1fVhx-ZR2c51-LD-_NTj-Q3iYJYdE_F15dEXcSBeiqOoy-KleXpbfoVXH35nX_Vwp23MK2SPKzU6FLw/s1600/SAM_4958.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAz3RN42dShxejkA8zPoPSwn9MjixHzEDagwlPs5v0vZjT9XZAS2yob4CcTUS1fVhx-ZR2c51-LD-_NTj-Q3iYJYdE_F15dEXcSBeiqOoy-KleXpbfoVXH35nX_Vwp23MK2SPKzU6FLw/s640/SAM_4958.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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuXEEYVGsHz_4dMeK4wd0hs3AUBCqsPDPKg9oKQakKpDqDBi85iZVQ62UuQhq6zL_G4DvjrjeH8gGH9xrTaFnLgtgmlqHxEbEUEJYAwwHC2T2GAfS_qB0Nk2m1J2bnGb-y9J80Maq6Z8/s1600/SAM_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuXEEYVGsHz_4dMeK4wd0hs3AUBCqsPDPKg9oKQakKpDqDBi85iZVQ62UuQhq6zL_G4DvjrjeH8gGH9xrTaFnLgtgmlqHxEbEUEJYAwwHC2T2GAfS_qB0Nk2m1J2bnGb-y9J80Maq6Z8/s640/SAM_4963.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sólheimajökull is enormous - for comparison, look at the two people standing below on the RHS. And yet this glacier is eroding away at a rate which exceeds scientists' prediction. A few more hundred years and this glacier might have completely melted :(</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeFZ81PPeds2F1e5wyslKAvETPRqLixr6yiQKLyXQ4npiis6b6k4lpPGJ1Qfsc9WfO_PxS2TpfM-1qEUc7NqtUNEa_NsLWgdmP9L9yWDKjjOq7b1XTZUJoIAj1Z7uwVCPs25P2sEcSL4/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeFZ81PPeds2F1e5wyslKAvETPRqLixr6yiQKLyXQ4npiis6b6k4lpPGJ1Qfsc9WfO_PxS2TpfM-1qEUc7NqtUNEa_NsLWgdmP9L9yWDKjjOq7b1XTZUJoIAj1Z7uwVCPs25P2sEcSL4/s640/IMG_1749.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our hike to the glacier was accompanied by alternating hailstones and rain T_T I persevered because I really wanted to see the glacier, but after getting into the tour bus, my cold definitely got worse lol.</div>
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Still, by the time we made our way to <b>Vik </b>for lunch, I knew I had to have a rest. After eating some light lunch, I only had time to look around the area for a little bit before I decided to call it a day. For the rest of the tour (where they visited Skogar Folk Museum & the Reynisfjara beach), I slept inside the tour bus and I ended the day by going to sleep earlier :D;; </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3OH0BOb4AYMegGg_Doz6Gk18olzD3P456auSH69qx7KpsgSZHWRBqoQ6meT-m5s2Vy8TcvjDPrYy3Hy-EASkYGVs78vkLSjr6kWBYV-VditOK5gof2b5PoD4Avf3rmy2gVmXg0m54-Q/s1600/SAM_4977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3OH0BOb4AYMegGg_Doz6Gk18olzD3P456auSH69qx7KpsgSZHWRBqoQ6meT-m5s2Vy8TcvjDPrYy3Hy-EASkYGVs78vkLSjr6kWBYV-VditOK5gof2b5PoD4Avf3rmy2gVmXg0m54-Q/s640/SAM_4977.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so I end this post with a view of the church in Vik.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-3.html">Day 3 (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-5-golden.html">Day 5 (Golden Circle Tour)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-9198685984954937612016-01-15T19:26:00.000+08:002016-02-01T17:08:04.754+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula<div>
Our BLA trip had a free day where we were free to do whatever we want, and a bunch of us decided to do a road trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, as it wasn't in the BLA itinerary and it was one of the must-visit sights if you have watched the Walter Mitty movie :P</div>
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We were a group of 2 cars making our way to Snaefellsnes early in the morning (our group was basically just tagging along with the other group haha) . The day started off pretty bleak, and the road on the way to Snaefellsnes remained in darkness. Who knows what we might have been able to see along the way had it been bright enough.<br />
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About an hour or two after we started our journey, though, we started to see glimpses of the landscape as daylight slowly creeps in.<br />
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It's amazing how the Icelandic landscapes can change in mere minutes - it seems like every 10km brought us a new mountain to gaze at, a new weather to experience, and a new site to explore. The tired-and-often-used adage "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes" is honestly especially true for Iceland.<br />
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The roads in Iceland is fascinating - from memory, there's only one tolled road, and the tolled road is the Hvalfjörður Tunnel running under the Hvalfjörður fjord. Compare this to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur in particular) where we have SO. MUCH. TOLLED. ROADS. for a journey of 20-30km! It doesn't make sense! In Iceland, Icelanders will go through thousands of kilometers along the ring road before encountering one tolled road - in Malaysia, I go through at least 5 tolls going to and coming back from work every day T_T *shakes fist at sky*<br />
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Driving in Iceland was a pretty interesting experience - I didn't personally drive, but I've noticed a few things during the road trip. There are no street lights at all in Iceland that I could recall, so drivers are supposed to turn on their headlights at all times (even during daytime) - the road reminds me of the old kampung road my family and I used to take back to Terengganu and Perak (those were the good days... but we don't miss the traffic jam that's for sure).<br />
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I also noticed that the majority of the roads in Iceland is a one-lane carriageway (and they have a lot of lay-by for popular viewpoints). If you go too slow by the Icelandic people's standard, they will honk and overtake you lol - and mind you, sometimes even heavy vehicles like lorries and whatnot will not hesitate to overtake you hahaha. We were keeping to the speed limit too, haha, so I guess not all Icelanders will keep to the speed limit - <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/australia-2014-perth-margaret-river.html%20Done" target="_blank">this was different from our Australian road trip experience</a>. I don't know if there's an abang polis in Iceland, but I've heard that tourists who drove in Iceland for a road trip reported receiving ticket summons a year after they ended their trip, so :P Best thing you can do is just let them overtake you - we didn't dare to drive too fast since we weren't used to icy roads and driving in winter. My advice if you do decide to drive in Iceland, just be cautious and stick to the speed limit.<br />
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Also, I really like how the traffic lights in the city works - normally, the light will turn to green, yellow, and then red for a normal cycle. In Reykjavik, I noticed that the traffic light will turn yellow again before turning green - the yellow light before the green light is presumably to let people know "hey, hey, it's gonna be the green light soon, so get ready to start moving" - which is super efficient because then you'd have more people go through the green light compared to if you <i>don't </i>alert people that the lights are going to turn green. (And then you'd have to manually let people know it's freaking green by honking - mooooveeee, carrrrr!)<br />
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Another precaution to take is to check your gas tank at all times - there are a number of gas stations along the way, and when in doubt, always refuel. Most people advised that you shouldn't allow the gas tank to go below half, but yeah, with the help of GPS you should have no problem locating a gas station. Also: even the gas stations in Iceland have a beautiful view of the mountains and the sea and the lakes and the waterfalls and argghhh whyyy T_T<br />
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Anyway, back to the road trip.<br />
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Our first stop was <b>Hótel Búðir</b>, a hotel which seems to be isolated from civilization. A lone church graces the area as well - understandably the church is one of Iceland's popular sites for a wedding photoshoot or even a wedding ceremony. I imagine it would look lovely in summer :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xzWp_2slacKR0ghnsPnMhZd98KB4TGL2yDZSqcs5op8j9cqgOdbUeaAZxLjgraKOC4eqy35_7Z_A7ckYnz5IydXwxpwnkzpRcYTNNC9suq8qJrpFCbdmj7JCBLFV6xyXRhCBjjTSywM/s1600/SAM_4824.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xzWp_2slacKR0ghnsPnMhZd98KB4TGL2yDZSqcs5op8j9cqgOdbUeaAZxLjgraKOC4eqy35_7Z_A7ckYnz5IydXwxpwnkzpRcYTNNC9suq8qJrpFCbdmj7JCBLFV6xyXRhCBjjTSywM/s640/SAM_4824.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OvHmWeczFNx-frz-Fg9MEVsjdWLLZ6ITQXRTYq0VV1MW1Hxw4n08PbuAVXbXNnJyKwTTX_LskZJt5JbfN4IVYnVh-dDSqn8bZyyQQ7dwxwu3gJqu-J19QxO0qCJtIvrzhCTVSvlmMeY/s1600/SAM_4829.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OvHmWeczFNx-frz-Fg9MEVsjdWLLZ6ITQXRTYq0VV1MW1Hxw4n08PbuAVXbXNnJyKwTTX_LskZJt5JbfN4IVYnVh-dDSqn8bZyyQQ7dwxwu3gJqu-J19QxO0qCJtIvrzhCTVSvlmMeY/s640/SAM_4829.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP1hkyelXSMu1RiHsrymKmv_EZZ8w2Sj8WnX1_ZvIwu2YnpZWrjQJsVHls2c0Hr-iP17Yq9B97uixWtByW0XD8EkVn9Rn8NqQz_MdajU658Yr9ir2BXPIy__SHxfz2qyAz3yEXJqYL_0/s1600/SAM_4828.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP1hkyelXSMu1RiHsrymKmv_EZZ8w2Sj8WnX1_ZvIwu2YnpZWrjQJsVHls2c0Hr-iP17Yq9B97uixWtByW0XD8EkVn9Rn8NqQz_MdajU658Yr9ir2BXPIy__SHxfz2qyAz3yEXJqYL_0/s320/SAM_4828.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTN4YoI5EgiY5FujiQa70Fzz-tFzPX_UfWGOdZx-ZaKQnhRejlN5s2MNqLQb8ca6tAIXYFGpoihMXoaYPC4gE7p6A3B6nvTowTqtJUCi9l-pmDsfX56-vvprQnB94YO9-fr-vvqiMMJQ/s1600/SAM_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTN4YoI5EgiY5FujiQa70Fzz-tFzPX_UfWGOdZx-ZaKQnhRejlN5s2MNqLQb8ca6tAIXYFGpoihMXoaYPC4gE7p6A3B6nvTowTqtJUCi9l-pmDsfX56-vvprQnB94YO9-fr-vvqiMMJQ/s320/SAM_4836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF77_rt-RSNQJz56-kxKgK9MzuT0jI5QBBVKge_mL2GSwovZG7aDd5I5hraPTNhZXsza4o7iBx3CFd4WdgJL2o2CWwJmoPMBKuF-r0S_T2yrAFDAIRf367-gMpt60KZxAjhyXZkqs5v5M/s1600/SAM_4826.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF77_rt-RSNQJz56-kxKgK9MzuT0jI5QBBVKge_mL2GSwovZG7aDd5I5hraPTNhZXsza4o7iBx3CFd4WdgJL2o2CWwJmoPMBKuF-r0S_T2yrAFDAIRf367-gMpt60KZxAjhyXZkqs5v5M/s640/SAM_4826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We made a pit-stop at a lookout point at <b>Oxl farmland</b>, where there was apparently a serial killer on the loose in the area (more amazingly, he was the only (known) serial killer in Iceland and managed to kill 18 people before he finally got discovered).<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwSQrIny6CoVCrhkSsKQT24uMMPPya4bxudqFxxPPRf_7ByLoamwye3ldKQP-OT9uUkCQPadiaY8T4_dug-7MKmCkVj8D1s0zfiovznsErOdLa_F7G4Ybwo9uXH0drG3e_jsCzVvzlHk/s1600/SAM_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwSQrIny6CoVCrhkSsKQT24uMMPPya4bxudqFxxPPRf_7ByLoamwye3ldKQP-OT9uUkCQPadiaY8T4_dug-7MKmCkVj8D1s0zfiovznsErOdLa_F7G4Ybwo9uXH0drG3e_jsCzVvzlHk/s640/SAM_4843.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You thought I was lying, weren't you? Yes, this is Axlar-Bjorn, the only (known) serial killer in Iceland</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl8b0v-DD84kE_S49gOxDdwBvx5D1oDYlUW0ERjAWU6M8y1meGCp-VQQ9VnvUTqv5UziA3LhebzsjWWZWpLlKqXJ77GIPrEwhVyrW3nZbS_rS_8llK2TJxHMzPJBAoXH7rAIDf3MnPEI/s1600/SAM_4846.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWl8b0v-DD84kE_S49gOxDdwBvx5D1oDYlUW0ERjAWU6M8y1meGCp-VQQ9VnvUTqv5UziA3LhebzsjWWZWpLlKqXJ77GIPrEwhVyrW3nZbS_rS_8llK2TJxHMzPJBAoXH7rAIDf3MnPEI/s640/SAM_4846.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl72DJ6iyL_hIcI9vWMGkfveH3dSB0BXKcLXfn6XVD0gnkgcWJS9Q0vmyyw3rky5MxEjlQfwrNdfuWwnbL4Cl9yOXyMWWL7Pq8NVCoJItvxpRJmA8dgnpYWhJttkqugeZEK9M-41L523g/s1600/SAM_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl72DJ6iyL_hIcI9vWMGkfveH3dSB0BXKcLXfn6XVD0gnkgcWJS9Q0vmyyw3rky5MxEjlQfwrNdfuWwnbL4Cl9yOXyMWWL7Pq8NVCoJItvxpRJmA8dgnpYWhJttkqugeZEK9M-41L523g/s320/SAM_4859.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DWuJj_5nHg8NCPks3-wfa1PGVGAbLNJp7yCgt9CBV2Sg50hXHVYjc0XtzOmr0VtJ_BXxpkBqbQAr2-3AO4oWaFO0BvmsdNA9XjcrZKy22P7UMIjcrFc8c1W3FKCpfLtTTl4rqrb7w8g/s1600/SAM_4838.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DWuJj_5nHg8NCPks3-wfa1PGVGAbLNJp7yCgt9CBV2Sg50hXHVYjc0XtzOmr0VtJ_BXxpkBqbQAr2-3AO4oWaFO0BvmsdNA9XjcrZKy22P7UMIjcrFc8c1W3FKCpfLtTTl4rqrb7w8g/s320/SAM_4838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also stumbled upon (meaning we shrieked and stopped the car because we spotted) some Icelandic horses grazing around. (Note: don't call them ponies. Apparently Icelanders hate it when you call them ponies.) They were so cute and squishy I just want to lie on one, whereupon I would be kicked by them, probably.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBBYtKR1eqVtjg0mxZkvjjOffV-BkX8zECFFVB9CswaQ2NLUMIbiVbCoM8THfA-yfJRDZsxnVZP5-wWK1RpjzlIedonmQg62ZTnedowAp4oCjsikKhI-QFFxrKjzxGdft7IbLGm-9i_A/s1600/SAM_4860.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBBYtKR1eqVtjg0mxZkvjjOffV-BkX8zECFFVB9CswaQ2NLUMIbiVbCoM8THfA-yfJRDZsxnVZP5-wWK1RpjzlIedonmQg62ZTnedowAp4oCjsikKhI-QFFxrKjzxGdft7IbLGm-9i_A/s640/SAM_4860.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCi7_ClHaOmqe62DHRF-_PXCIpcq7riIVg_4uZv5IfGsbs6f957ILMlulUGwRUkUezfx7qHYgxtwzHCB3Zt6RygFjYDLgsZp_TtVImVtn0o0hRSyi-0vh4Ph_Fy9H77S37w6lkvtQx5M/s1600/gopr0277.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCi7_ClHaOmqe62DHRF-_PXCIpcq7riIVg_4uZv5IfGsbs6f957ILMlulUGwRUkUezfx7qHYgxtwzHCB3Zt6RygFjYDLgsZp_TtVImVtn0o0hRSyi-0vh4Ph_Fy9H77S37w6lkvtQx5M/s640/gopr0277.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our next stop was <b>Arnastapi</b>, where you fill find the coast between Arnarstapi and Hellnar. There's a hiking trail between Arnarstapi and Hellnar that you could take - as we were pressed for time (what with the limited daylight during winter and all) and partly due to the weather, we decided to move on from Arnarstapi. From some of the photos I saw of the hiking trail in other blogs, it seems like a worthwhile visit if you're coming in summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nWhPRnJw98jJo-u9CP_GvdGCiCUV6OlDF3gJj_MRT97YuQlxlM5KR3zfA3zQmBYrUFMhhbem_mOaNDMPICJ9cD_QWcbWMJr0BF2XoqDcmi4vZNOI9MeDtn8UGnsIs86Ofpi1puNYhbw/s1600/gopr0364.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nWhPRnJw98jJo-u9CP_GvdGCiCUV6OlDF3gJj_MRT97YuQlxlM5KR3zfA3zQmBYrUFMhhbem_mOaNDMPICJ9cD_QWcbWMJr0BF2XoqDcmi4vZNOI9MeDtn8UGnsIs86Ofpi1puNYhbw/s320/gopr0364.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m36RB8o_LDgUmNqlxBwcQ4qWk9kkaHomb8T8I-FrW9M6RLHgZM4NkKSMhTrSHurbRG7Rv4SzF4MYQ9yFv-CpS_AtzrQMdFoPIs07G_geTt9AGsG-eQtETCbq8wo6QcgG3ru3jhmQSY/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1m36RB8o_LDgUmNqlxBwcQ4qWk9kkaHomb8T8I-FrW9M6RLHgZM4NkKSMhTrSHurbRG7Rv4SzF4MYQ9yFv-CpS_AtzrQMdFoPIs07G_geTt9AGsG-eQtETCbq8wo6QcgG3ru3jhmQSY/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMkOhrDEscNRvtN5bHgC7ubtp-ii5YlLuUx3GVcZAtM-vwhjrCvusKw8JBfZWhiGQCXxG2zU67X_kJERJQl90DDj5CYsyhupQzB42go2dWWoM9q-IPRjqEhQCigEodXEdjIFiMJN9zHw/s1600/gopr0344.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMkOhrDEscNRvtN5bHgC7ubtp-ii5YlLuUx3GVcZAtM-vwhjrCvusKw8JBfZWhiGQCXxG2zU67X_kJERJQl90DDj5CYsyhupQzB42go2dWWoM9q-IPRjqEhQCigEodXEdjIFiMJN9zHw/s640/gopr0344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJpjaEzf0PHrbiQ2UV0Sor31KR4WxJlgFxb9IuswW7XGSvLeHsj7a0LcLmxSKWxuX_WdV87c0umhIz4u9t81J1gwwvfFoV6PsSoIaBfPJUlasOLm6X-binnzkGo2nFWjWSJMnTti9vUM/s1600/gopr0343.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJpjaEzf0PHrbiQ2UV0Sor31KR4WxJlgFxb9IuswW7XGSvLeHsj7a0LcLmxSKWxuX_WdV87c0umhIz4u9t81J1gwwvfFoV6PsSoIaBfPJUlasOLm6X-binnzkGo2nFWjWSJMnTti9vUM/s640/gopr0343.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvw-79j-oY_BB9BiZfIfPv65VpbA4OV0BX3JPy1WWMvb3Ml5_r84hX_mig2CZ2F3Xz0chrZhyphenhyphenP9i5C4WbJtVDGudOg9mZkt_kG1STCpYD2NYJGJQ160y7Y8j5mywbKoKmWswG1PK0BLU/s1600/SAM_4884.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvw-79j-oY_BB9BiZfIfPv65VpbA4OV0BX3JPy1WWMvb3Ml5_r84hX_mig2CZ2F3Xz0chrZhyphenhyphenP9i5C4WbJtVDGudOg9mZkt_kG1STCpYD2NYJGJQ160y7Y8j5mywbKoKmWswG1PK0BLU/s640/SAM_4884.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next on our agenda was a visit to Djúpalónssandur. <b>Djúpalónssandur </b>(I don't even know to pronounce this, although I <i>do </i>know how to pronounce Eyjafjallajökull if I do it very, <i>very </i>slowly) is a black pebble beach where you will find the scattered remains of as shipwreck<strike> and some roaming ghosts from said shipwreck</strike>. We didn't have time to hike the trail to Dritvik, as we made our way to our next stop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji5XiiwdMU7YwlBYuqc7A8fiqHQDgeumvaXd6JX7HUWPdpPy6fWqVvwp4k5m6sitfbjbGQmL08PVus4_6UL5sJL1jB24BsBusofPVjIlRmsm-Hkpp4Nvgbx6ndfXGwxqFgctGO-u-yHY/s1600/SAM_4876.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji5XiiwdMU7YwlBYuqc7A8fiqHQDgeumvaXd6JX7HUWPdpPy6fWqVvwp4k5m6sitfbjbGQmL08PVus4_6UL5sJL1jB24BsBusofPVjIlRmsm-Hkpp4Nvgbx6ndfXGwxqFgctGO-u-yHY/s640/SAM_4876.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iZcjNlG9v6ANElqeo8Rxx3CK212et9zcX1oGZvS-_c69vt4rf_CQbT8PmCN3m_VmbVLh6_cmXQvbelMKD5M84u2Ml8HXQ9ma0rXXnKPmk9SMnOtumMWOK6xaEkkW1zCGKgmWyokPxi0/s1600/SAM_4890.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iZcjNlG9v6ANElqeo8Rxx3CK212et9zcX1oGZvS-_c69vt4rf_CQbT8PmCN3m_VmbVLh6_cmXQvbelMKD5M84u2Ml8HXQ9ma0rXXnKPmk9SMnOtumMWOK6xaEkkW1zCGKgmWyokPxi0/s640/SAM_4890.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Our last stop for the day was the infamous <b>Kirkjufellsfoss</b>, probably most photographed with the <b>Kirkjufell </b>mountain in the background. (On a side-note, in my head I've always just pronounced it as "Kirk, u fell" lol Cpt. Kirk you're too clumsy okay I'll shut up now.) The weather took a turn for the ugly lol - it was raining pretty heavily (although you couldn't see it in the pictures below) and I think I started to catch a cold around this time, which, you know, go figure. Of <i>course </i>I would be catching a cold at the start of the trip. <i>OF COURSE</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGeaxTsSRW36BNsmSAWZxwjKzLyrWbaAc0jjz5xzb7GLoM6-Om62qgFsH39BXexTzLCkTd_fpZpRnUKIr8xMrmodPK2CeDv-ZeA4uihic5u-IPNVDkc5W21fpfgtH0nr_aLMurBmCnfk/s1600/SAM_4908.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGeaxTsSRW36BNsmSAWZxwjKzLyrWbaAc0jjz5xzb7GLoM6-Om62qgFsH39BXexTzLCkTd_fpZpRnUKIr8xMrmodPK2CeDv-ZeA4uihic5u-IPNVDkc5W21fpfgtH0nr_aLMurBmCnfk/s640/SAM_4908.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRHrVJDaVC_eAe6hTMM0J0W6nlBI-DZzQnS_YX7R2zAXN9yE0gxl1eR6G8K66VL2eGPPucG-7_CwWHQN_RsSnPIVTRgIQ_gHtjcE6u6ZePACkI0ehjLhLXzPk7TgMVuC9fGzCapkL-Nw/s1600/SAM_4921.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRHrVJDaVC_eAe6hTMM0J0W6nlBI-DZzQnS_YX7R2zAXN9yE0gxl1eR6G8K66VL2eGPPucG-7_CwWHQN_RsSnPIVTRgIQ_gHtjcE6u6ZePACkI0ehjLhLXzPk7TgMVuC9fGzCapkL-Nw/s640/SAM_4921.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPLfssw5cWhY8beLG97ioFT4a1gyeIEzxxeloguv25XHAcReBllSnCZqFFfbkQIWi-FrthBmYIfYf-OyhTqYfQj-BMtBvn4masassJTkMhMOX_0eOt0xNBWOD9O2PdV2v58naYYGI1UE/s1600/SAM_4924.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPLfssw5cWhY8beLG97ioFT4a1gyeIEzxxeloguv25XHAcReBllSnCZqFFfbkQIWi-FrthBmYIfYf-OyhTqYfQj-BMtBvn4masassJTkMhMOX_0eOt0xNBWOD9O2PdV2v58naYYGI1UE/s640/SAM_4924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We ended our road trip to Snaefellsnes with a last glimpse at the Kirkjufell mountain - weather permitted, I think we might've covered even more ground, but we were happy with what we've seen of Iceland so far. We were also pressed for time since we had to go back to Reykjavik since we had an aurora hunting tour by boat booked for that night (...which turned out to be cancelled due to inclement weather lol, but c'est la vie).<br />
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Suffice to say I was extremely happy on this road trip (even with the unpredictable weather!) since you get to see what Iceland has to offer - it's said that a visit to the Snaefellsnes peninsula basically covers what Iceland has to offer in miniature versions. You get the mountainous landscapes, the columnar basalts (which we didn't managed to cover), the black sand beach, the waterfalls and much more :)<br />
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So now, onwards to Day 4!<br />
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015%20%20-day-2-blue.html">Day 2 (Reykjavik)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015%20%20-day-4-south.html">Day 4 (South Shore Tour)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-20077091037441686802016-01-15T19:19:00.003+08:002016-02-11T21:16:58.225+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 2: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik City TourExcited to start off our first full day in Iceland, our general plan for the day was to go to the Blue Lagoon for some geothermal bathtime and then it's off to a Reykjavik city tour with Reykjavik Excursions.<br>
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The weather was pretty gloomy when we arrived, and there was basically no sign of the sun at all throughout the day, lol. Hence the gloominess of the pictures. We enjoyed ourselves regardless - had a lot of fun at the Blue Lagoon for instance haha. Some of us did an impromptu commercial for Qu Puteh even :P<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw0PGVgZoVoQjSNy9IC0orqaMaPjTGiSWB2ahbPdiaqCBJIfG7U0Zwnxum7UvJieT_r64TY2yJG94Pxd-mMDAzyk7DXegFxOImy6Eb59c3PxWIe6npQ4tpYPYj6nHzAGymiV0JO3lvhA/s1600/gopr0103.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw0PGVgZoVoQjSNy9IC0orqaMaPjTGiSWB2ahbPdiaqCBJIfG7U0Zwnxum7UvJieT_r64TY2yJG94Pxd-mMDAzyk7DXegFxOImy6Eb59c3PxWIe6npQ4tpYPYj6nHzAGymiV0JO3lvhA/s320/gopr0103.jpg" width="320"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiJ3mNOJU4b7mYQYycOIsnZh4-0ejbqG16urKFCev-NDz8JU8uk1rZdajDdlflAFcEqSCyQIEVPQTTaC47neXMfPO5qLIgDneg20kFMswgkP1kHSIUQnzPAWOxOH8P_pFVhNOicDaYR4/s1600/gopr0040.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiJ3mNOJU4b7mYQYycOIsnZh4-0ejbqG16urKFCev-NDz8JU8uk1rZdajDdlflAFcEqSCyQIEVPQTTaC47neXMfPO5qLIgDneg20kFMswgkP1kHSIUQnzPAWOxOH8P_pFVhNOicDaYR4/s320/gopr0040.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwPN_mmrM91PTlvarToxbmCJ82NkxaEm-UkJcsLhInuEpWWQs6ko4FOsz9iW7UPk1L_0xwJj0IBYx3wXjJjVfn6IOaLBjPJnbwUCr4-vN4Wp8mzdCviJ5OXfxLINGPSf8WKKX6rdA_Ic/s1600/gopr0039.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwPN_mmrM91PTlvarToxbmCJ82NkxaEm-UkJcsLhInuEpWWQs6ko4FOsz9iW7UPk1L_0xwJj0IBYx3wXjJjVfn6IOaLBjPJnbwUCr4-vN4Wp8mzdCviJ5OXfxLINGPSf8WKKX6rdA_Ic/s320/gopr0039.jpg" width="320"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o-07-FQq25cJsHm4fIuG6mePLfGzk-LoBCvgIqmAyWWaZhF6_v3Q3KimF3njig0pqq5jklnnmi_qAnJ8vehH-It5fshCrLosVmRPlmvq2raZGcsjiBXuLTr0zFIbqc94-MvBPEwqzPA/s1600/gopr0088.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o-07-FQq25cJsHm4fIuG6mePLfGzk-LoBCvgIqmAyWWaZhF6_v3Q3KimF3njig0pqq5jklnnmi_qAnJ8vehH-It5fshCrLosVmRPlmvq2raZGcsjiBXuLTr0zFIbqc94-MvBPEwqzPA/s320/gopr0088.jpg" width="320"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb-dPUb1-02eqk8ZhbnJxfKBdsf2-mKITWyfVzloHU_sTc4g_Uq2CEum_t8eA2puPvmdGs6f0n5zLy7moHhKJR2Xooho43ec6BF8o5f7isU8-UwAyjOLNek5gKcUsRpPTW4vearOGTZI/s1600/gopr0087.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicb-dPUb1-02eqk8ZhbnJxfKBdsf2-mKITWyfVzloHU_sTc4g_Uq2CEum_t8eA2puPvmdGs6f0n5zLy7moHhKJR2Xooho43ec6BF8o5f7isU8-UwAyjOLNek5gKcUsRpPTW4vearOGTZI/s320/gopr0087.jpg" width="320"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQljZoqADL6k6Zyb3FZEudBOJgSohb9gMl_NOhEmoLY-tuGQ5jUGNmxfO8-tvTLv6HleAFWAWrJFPqBRsf-xKV7tBjtjPdcdQEQIOSqHwy11JWVNMN5j_T0KYBfJQ7KqyWs3Q883Qa-w/s1600/gopr0044.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQljZoqADL6k6Zyb3FZEudBOJgSohb9gMl_NOhEmoLY-tuGQ5jUGNmxfO8-tvTLv6HleAFWAWrJFPqBRsf-xKV7tBjtjPdcdQEQIOSqHwy11JWVNMN5j_T0KYBfJQ7KqyWs3Q883Qa-w/s320/gopr0044.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<b>The Muslimah guide & tips to Iceland's Blue Lagoon </b><br>
For the Muslim travellers who wants to take a dip at the Blue Lagoon, do allocate an hour or two to enjoy the lagoon - it's an artificial lagoon, but the thermal bath is really worth it. You can wear your own swimsuits (and yes, Muslimah swimsuits are allowed as long as they're proper swimsuits), and don't forget to bring your own towel as well! Otherwise, you can rent one there but you might as well bring your own. Also, I've heard you should wear your least-loved swimsuit here as the water might damage your swimsuit, but I didn't see any damages to my swimsuit so it should be okay. To be safe, if you have a couple of swimsuits, take your oldest or least-loved one :P<br>
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When you get to the lagoon, you get a chip bracelet which you will use for your lockers - don't lose this bracelet and make sure it's tightened at your wrist. Pick a locker and lock it with your bracelet.<br>
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Before going into the lagoon itself, you should shower first at the shower rooms - I saw people showering with their bathing suits, but I think you're supposed to shower without them. Anyway, there are covered and uncovered shower rooms on the ladies' side, so you can choose the covered & lockable shower room. Note: there are no rails to hang your towels, so you'd have to hang your towel at the shower door.<br>
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Once you get inside the lagoon area, you can place your towel and slippers at the allocated area before making your way to the lagoon. You can also find the mud masks around this area if you fancy a go for a Qu Puteh commercial in Iceland :P<br>
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Once you're done with your dip, come back out and have another shower (bring your towel with you) and head back to your locker to finish changing into your outfit. Plastic bags are provided at the locker area and shower area (so you can place your wet swimsuit into the bags), and after you've changed, you can use the hairdryer at the makeup / mirror station.<br>
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After being in the Blue Lagoon for 15-20 minutes (we had a bus and a tour to catch lol), we rushed off to the Reykjavik City Tour. As there was no sign of the sun peeking out from behind the clouds, the landscape itself looks pretty gloomy throughout the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYqxCBHv_0z-s971_hsvPzKyXT267FZmQN8EyIi64c0-jx60QcmUXxxfVQWAea8qAcsCSFnSXDaMhImLn6RMqyWs1_HIQ1sFx5S6RhJNAQRpD01ZAu8GjOOkN9xR7B-AFZSDdQjMUGyc/s1600/SAM_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYqxCBHv_0z-s971_hsvPzKyXT267FZmQN8EyIi64c0-jx60QcmUXxxfVQWAea8qAcsCSFnSXDaMhImLn6RMqyWs1_HIQ1sFx5S6RhJNAQRpD01ZAu8GjOOkN9xR7B-AFZSDdQjMUGyc/s640/SAM_4785.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-OaZSHMpwfHx8MDb3QpBBQFM-RfalV11jbab4bzx8WQhxTgY1KSdlKyKtuKa3qjbJjC1JDDH-JdGTOCIKviw54Rc_zh84ezpGHyjhNVULAlk3QoA8QQL_HAXLAqkFzhHrXMMh8qKJlc/s1600/SAM_4790.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-OaZSHMpwfHx8MDb3QpBBQFM-RfalV11jbab4bzx8WQhxTgY1KSdlKyKtuKa3qjbJjC1JDDH-JdGTOCIKviw54Rc_zh84ezpGHyjhNVULAlk3QoA8QQL_HAXLAqkFzhHrXMMh8qKJlc/s640/SAM_4790.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_0EElz8eNX4OTXXyty20UdjkmXqOmcykk6vnPGmqsjX2AkzQsBQLWp0ymr2AxuW9s-y-ML4WXrvXwH5Q5ViAVwlxhf19tFKmHesK5hGAjig_KPlOWNb0vdcu16QBL9_UACbZUqboQDo/s1600/SAM_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_0EElz8eNX4OTXXyty20UdjkmXqOmcykk6vnPGmqsjX2AkzQsBQLWp0ymr2AxuW9s-y-ML4WXrvXwH5Q5ViAVwlxhf19tFKmHesK5hGAjig_KPlOWNb0vdcu16QBL9_UACbZUqboQDo/s640/SAM_4791.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Höfði House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99hvFFHqq4gt9VAuS5HAF2JiR9V6G3IvHyNvG_tSdq_RIks14nSqRWGGEl4XG-qSXumsAcEpGUSZMeOzSNig73f23UpFPtPH0K9Bc6-qtAaTg2FlaZ8htQGFiXVOGO-vaM7ck8kwiP4/s1600/SAM_4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99hvFFHqq4gt9VAuS5HAF2JiR9V6G3IvHyNvG_tSdq_RIks14nSqRWGGEl4XG-qSXumsAcEpGUSZMeOzSNig73f23UpFPtPH0K9Bc6-qtAaTg2FlaZ8htQGFiXVOGO-vaM7ck8kwiP4/s640/SAM_4797.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can see Esja mountain peeking through at the background</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv1SZoTMENglQIYGHLiAHQQwAwpty1gSgO_CITiNlXvteHPL-5gFZiUWTPNse2h0y86-fThuMCoauXSliftFo-Is2xIp-fJ9JSZqmTc7sB3qL6gL1iCo7qC_aB4fp7V_WwNAuFi8lBsc/s1600/SAM_4804.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv1SZoTMENglQIYGHLiAHQQwAwpty1gSgO_CITiNlXvteHPL-5gFZiUWTPNse2h0y86-fThuMCoauXSliftFo-Is2xIp-fJ9JSZqmTc7sB3qL6gL1iCo7qC_aB4fp7V_WwNAuFi8lBsc/s640/SAM_4804.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZO6eRcx4PBEpxAsDDFqUSDgehgLrl4O88-R0fL1uJq5HWFGnczboZ0T0z-Q0sa99_zvdDv6CaDK77Z-cu7Ubau18-BlrCVNQ9I38f7RQARMkMzk8rULg7jiHKhbziFVRRUIv3rvkSjg/s1600/gopr0117.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZO6eRcx4PBEpxAsDDFqUSDgehgLrl4O88-R0fL1uJq5HWFGnczboZ0T0z-Q0sa99_zvdDv6CaDK77Z-cu7Ubau18-BlrCVNQ9I38f7RQARMkMzk8rULg7jiHKhbziFVRRUIv3rvkSjg/s320/gopr0117.jpg" width="320"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoO6Hf52VX7Y6m_59hgrqKexpjhI2eQZy9WKPoYn5w1UfNjbHb1yOhyphenhyphenZRFcVe9iuRsCFmAfTXBqyU8EG96OXF5o_d50fxos_ox7qVK6ILlT1gtUK7-Sny8o3OgGSE3Mg_j1wysbp3WYk/s1600/gopr0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoO6Hf52VX7Y6m_59hgrqKexpjhI2eQZy9WKPoYn5w1UfNjbHb1yOhyphenhyphenZRFcVe9iuRsCFmAfTXBqyU8EG96OXF5o_d50fxos_ox7qVK6ILlT1gtUK7-Sny8o3OgGSE3Mg_j1wysbp3WYk/s320/gopr0118.jpg" width="320"></a><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU3s6Ekt5-KWt8Bo_dC4VDRySbYLsBWclOzzBqEvr5-qQewfXm6qWyqJEQ3Uj0oTqgwq96IRyw3s5QDuMgs3I2I_Y4PEPZeGvlduhZhyphenhyphenLgL-tRCEe-qEFqKuNtEHWCD0xgxmDqJfhivY/s1600/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPU3s6Ekt5-KWt8Bo_dC4VDRySbYLsBWclOzzBqEvr5-qQewfXm6qWyqJEQ3Uj0oTqgwq96IRyw3s5QDuMgs3I2I_Y4PEPZeGvlduhZhyphenhyphenLgL-tRCEe-qEFqKuNtEHWCD0xgxmDqJfhivY/s320/IMG_1755.JPG" width="320"></a> <b style="text-align: start;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPGJ-kmCcFNC9Eo-gEccH8fV3iFx0_2t5OTSeMH2luBVQoVIgotYIOKg2eO86ek7pTLGeSE6nB6Bq_EZBjZQKIcErH6sGlLe5GncYF8lvkylWvia7O506oaj3OeMnrBOs3xWgJhBIjlA/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPGJ-kmCcFNC9Eo-gEccH8fV3iFx0_2t5OTSeMH2luBVQoVIgotYIOKg2eO86ek7pTLGeSE6nB6Bq_EZBjZQKIcErH6sGlLe5GncYF8lvkylWvia7O506oaj3OeMnrBOs3xWgJhBIjlA/s320/IMG_1757.JPG" width="320"></a></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXMoLAYQ8j_pSs4q-XVZW26ewYOEgyxrXwIS_F9wvPMhOVfArAqmQURoY7Ae5Dcvxxrhfq6D56BE6l91dXrDCIQxIu4sswhUiPHm9tGh4tnngGEqILDeXMG9DvgZ39un_GxzMq-lz3M/s1600/SAM_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSXMoLAYQ8j_pSs4q-XVZW26ewYOEgyxrXwIS_F9wvPMhOVfArAqmQURoY7Ae5Dcvxxrhfq6D56BE6l91dXrDCIQxIu4sswhUiPHm9tGh4tnngGEqILDeXMG9DvgZ39un_GxzMq-lz3M/s640/SAM_4806.JPG" width="640"></a><br>
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The above is the Hallgrímskirkja church, the most astounding piece of architecture in Reykjavik at 73m tall - you can actually see the peak of it in the panoramic pictures above. It was said that the church was designed to resemble Iceland's famous basalt lava columns - to me, it kind of looks like a variation of the church organs :) An interesting architectural structure, and the large pipe organ within the church was beautiful as well. You can actually go up to the top of the church, but it will cost you a few krona.<br>
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After the city tour ended, we went walking around the city in search of good food and some nightlife. Tomorrow would be our road trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!</div>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam2015-day-1-amsterdam.html">Day 1 (KUL-AMST-KEF)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-3.html">Day 3 (Snaefellsnes Peninsula)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-29487129106061604362016-01-15T18:55:00.001+08:002016-01-31T18:01:28.696+08:00[ICELAND 2015] Day 1: Amsterdam (Stopover) & Iceland (KUL-AMS-KEF)Iceland has been on my bucket list ever since we flew over it on my KUL-NYC flight. It was only a glimpse of Iceland from above, but it was enough to convince me that Iceland is a beautiful country and that I would love to visit it one day. And then I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - I think anyone who watched that movie thought "I <i>have </i>to visit Greenland & Iceland one day!" (I'm still working on the Greenland thing fyi lol.)<br />
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So when a local backpacking tour group BLA (BucketListAbroad or @bucketlistabroad on Instagram) put up an advert on their instagram an Iceland trip in November, I snapped it up without any thought. So basically, I planned for another impromptu visit some time in May 2015 lol - I usually plan my holidays out a year in advance at least, but I thought I would never have this kind of chance to go again, and so why not?<br />
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Why not, indeed. I think the trip kind of grew a mind of its own lol - initially I was only going to stay in Amsterdam for a night or two, but the wanderlust was too strong and I ended up extending my stay in Iceland for 3 nights and the stay in Amsterdam for 4 nights, lol. This is why I shouldn't do any impromptu plans! Luckily KLM was very accommodating with my flight change (I think I changed it two times lol, but KLM has a great service, where you can just contact them through FB or Twitter) and since booking.com has great cancellable / modifiable hotel deals, I made my final changes to my initial itinerary.<br />
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And then it was time to go!<br />
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So the concept of BLA is that of a backpacking / budget traveller kind of travelling - any youth and adults can join, but there's a maximum number of around 20-25 people max who will join one trip at one time. It's more suited to youths or those travelling without children (e.g. infants, kids below the age of 8yo) because of the travelling style (sleeping in trains, sleeping in busses, a lot of walking and taking public transport etc.)<br />
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Seeing as how I only began travelling alone in May, I thought joining BLA would be a great option as I would be going with a group of like-minded Malaysians, so it wouldn't be so bad. (I mean, travelling to Japan alone doesn't sound as daunting as I've been there twice, but travelling to Iceland alone is totally different.)<br />
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The decision to join BLA was basically one of the best decisions I've made when it comes to travelling. Not only did I meet like-minded people on this trip, we clicked almost instantly and we basically became travel buddies because we're planning for another Iceland trip on our own in 2016/2017 hahahaha.<br />
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So yeah, when in doubt or when you're not so confident about travelling alone, you can always opt to join this kind of group. I opted for BLA because the price was reasonable and the timing was right :) Plus it was Iceland for RM5.6k! That's pretty cheap, considering the flight from Malaysia to Iceland alone costs approximately RM3.6k! (Be aware that cheap comes at a cost: you're not going to be staying in a 5-star hotel that's for sure. But hey we're in Iceland for the sceneries, not for the 5-star hotel bed.)<br />
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Anyway. I first met a few of the people from the BLAiceland group before we boarded the plane; although it was kind of awkward at first, by the time we agreed on exploring Amsterdam during the 7 hours' layover, I was sold on the fact that this was my kind of people.<br />
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During the layover, we bought train tickets to Amsterdam city centre early in the morning (since we arrived around 6am) and it was suuuper cold - that was only an indication of the kind of temperature we were to expect in Iceland, lol.<br />
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Depending on how many hours of layover you have (I would say more than 5-9 hours is the safest number, but the lesser the hours, the less sites you will be able to visit - always ensure you leave ample time to return back to the airport!), I would recommend visiting the following sites: </div>
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<b>1. Amsterdam Centraal Station</b><br />
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You can't run away from here if you're transiting to Amsterdam! A few minutes walk and you'll be in the city centre in no time - depending on the hour of your arrival, you could go and fine breakfast/lunch/dinner, window shop, or even book a cruise tour!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were so early that the sun's just come up at this point of time, heh.</td></tr>
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<b style="text-align: start;">2. Museumplein - Rijksmuseum / Van Gogh Museum / Iamsterdam sign</b><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Yes, the infamous Iamsterdam sign, Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum are all situated within the Museumplein area. Getting there via tram is easy enough, as you just get off at Museumplein and follow the signs (or GPS map!) to Rijksmuseum, where you will then find your first sighting of the Iamsterdam sign.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">For the Hard Rock cafe / merchandise enthusiast, the Hard Rock cafe and store is somewhere nearby too. You can find it going from Museumplein and making your way to the entrance of Vondelpark - the bridge on the opposite site of the Vondelpark entrance will lead you to the cafe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmWaFzxbTi_d02CZzytiWOV-UpbzT2rWxOr3ply91Kt_xDA2SDfyNCb_JKDYWRNeixpDwpxp7f3K2IT28zlAp-4hSLsitLFC8Z9-YBVck5jZDu4IZSSs9BmYwO28ipAAABX8N8ElnOJI/s1600/gopr0005.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="With the BLA crew - join BLA and make lifelong friends!" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmWaFzxbTi_d02CZzytiWOV-UpbzT2rWxOr3ply91Kt_xDA2SDfyNCb_JKDYWRNeixpDwpxp7f3K2IT28zlAp-4hSLsitLFC8Z9-YBVck5jZDu4IZSSs9BmYwO28ipAAABX8N8ElnOJI/s320/gopr0005.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL65QUdw_f1fItx74EQGnPS47RAYK1tGt0FvW6Qm0Oy05sU2yLUBKz_nHbcuSJsqhFh8V6DCOdWhT58WUVQgfmorfIIWhEQAwePqx9TdpVNAWyg-yrS_aJJzGeiW8fB-e1VwA-65PcaOc/s1600/gopr0003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="The quintessential iamsterdam shot lol" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL65QUdw_f1fItx74EQGnPS47RAYK1tGt0FvW6Qm0Oy05sU2yLUBKz_nHbcuSJsqhFh8V6DCOdWhT58WUVQgfmorfIIWhEQAwePqx9TdpVNAWyg-yrS_aJJzGeiW8fB-e1VwA-65PcaOc/s320/gopr0003.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Prinsengracht</b></div>
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These are where all the infamous canal views are found - feel free to get yourself lost in the maze of canals looking for that perfect photo op :) (Note: Only advisable if you have more than 6 hours of layover to spare!)</div>
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Having a GPS map (or an old-fashioned map if you're feeling adventurous) would help you a lot in finding your way back to Centraal Station. When in doubt, ask the local shops, or look for the nearest tram station to find your bearings.</div>
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I will be posting more on Amsterdam later on as I would be staying there for 4D3N after the conclusion of my Iceland trip :)</div>
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And so, after all the walking we did around Amsterdam city, we had a mad rush back to the airport for our next flight to Amsterdam via Icelandair. I'm so excited!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lookit the cup!!! Iceland why you so cute with the marketing.</td></tr>
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Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-2-blue.html">Day 2 (Reykjavik)</a></div>
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-masterpost-22.html">Iceland & Amsterdam 2015 Masterpost</a></div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-32807200305345872472016-01-15T18:46:00.001+08:002016-02-01T20:20:12.761+08:00[ICELAND & NETHERLANDS 2015] Masterpost (22 Nov - 4 Dec 2015)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Iceland & Netherlands 2015: Masterpost</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-2015-day-1.html">DAY 1 (23 Nov 2015): KUL-AMST-KEF</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam (KLM)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- 7 hours' layover at Amsterdam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Flight from Amsterdam to Iceland (via Icelandair)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-2-blue.html">DAY 2 (24 Nov 2015): Reykjavik</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Blue Lagoon</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Reykjavik City Tour (with Reykjavik Excursions)</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-3.html">DAY 3 (25 Nov 2015): Snaefellsness Peninsula</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Road trip to Snaefellsness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Back to Reykjavik</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-4-south.html">DAY 4 (26 Nov 2015): South Shore Tour</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- <a href="https://www.re.is/day-tours/south-shore-adventure" target="_blank">South Shore Tour</a> (with Reykjavik Excursions)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Seljalandsfoss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Skógafoss</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Sólheimajökull</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Vik town & Reynisfjara Beach (Black Sand Beach)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-5-golden.html">DAY 5 (27 Nov 2015): Golden Circle Tour</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- <a href="https://www.re.is/day-tours/the-golden-circle" target="_blank">Golden Circle Tour</a> (with Reykjavik Excursions)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Thingvellir National Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation centre </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Geysir</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Gulfoss </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-6-south.html">DAY 6 (28 Nov 2015): South Coast & Skaftafell</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- <a href="https://www.adventures.is/iceland/multiday-tours/south-coast-adventures/south-coast-icecave-skaftafell-jokulsarlon/" target="_blank">South Coast Tour</a> (with Arctic Adventures) - <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/ShowUserReviews-g189970-d2203016-r330183345-Arctic_Adventures_Day_Tours-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html" target="_blank">My review on of AA on TripAdvisor</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Skaftafell </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Aurora hunting @ Skaftafell</span><br />
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<a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-7-ice-caving.html"><b>DAY 7 (29 Nov 2015): Ice Caving & Jökulsárlón Lagoon</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Ice caving at Vatnajökull </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Jökulsárlón Lagoon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Back to Reykjavik</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/iceland-amsterdam-2015-day-8-snorkeling.html">DAY 8 (30 Nov 2015): Snorkeling in Silfra Tour</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Thingvellir Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Snorkeling at Silfra</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">DAY 9 (1 Dec 2015): Amsterdam</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Goodbye Iceland :'(</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Amsterdam</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">DAY 10 (2 Dec 2015): Amsterdam</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Van Gogh Museum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Rijksmuseum</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-amsterdam.html" target="_blank">DAY 11 (3 Dec 2015): Amsterdam</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Free Walking Tour (by Sandeman Tour)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Anne Frank House</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Night Cruise - Winter Illuminations</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/02/netherlands-2015-edam-marken.html">DAY 12 (4 Dec 2015): Edam & Marken</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Edam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Marken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- Bye Amsterdam :( Back to Malaysia</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/149748402" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/149748402">Iceland 2015 (wanderlustraveller)</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user39209211">Nadirah</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</center>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Budget for Iceland & Amsterdam 2015</u></b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Flight KL - KEF - AMST - KL</b>: RM3600</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hotel</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">: RM1450 (extension at Iceland & Amsterdam for 5 nights)</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Food, spending, shopping, etc.</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">: RM4000</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Tours: </b>BLA (RM2030 - inclusive of 6d5n hotel & Reykjavik Excursion tours), Arctic Adventures (RM2600)</span></li>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-46052204408890814132016-01-14T11:40:00.000+08:002016-02-14T17:56:02.768+08:00[LOMBOK 2015] Lombok, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1-pX6P4HxX8N_cT6X6r3bbfYlObt9jwkx5s73XxSEi-xFNtRTV6hfm8Vm5Z77GHOzSaS4mWHFBpjyIOsFqzM4YuCbFkVHiVVbBja1KUTV6IsGG15GntLJHtqFjJYgueLNXn3OzIuQ5s/s1600/SAM_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1-pX6P4HxX8N_cT6X6r3bbfYlObt9jwkx5s73XxSEi-xFNtRTV6hfm8Vm5Z77GHOzSaS4mWHFBpjyIOsFqzM4YuCbFkVHiVVbBja1KUTV6IsGG15GntLJHtqFjJYgueLNXn3OzIuQ5s/s640/SAM_4704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was a pretty last-minute planned trip (notice how all my 2015 trips started off saying the same thing? Haha) because my colleagues just randomly checked the price of AirAsia tickets to Lombok. As it was pretty cheap (it was around RM200+ per pax for a roundtrip), we bought the tickets on a whim lol. I imagined my boss might not be too happy with me being gone so soon after <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-masterpost-24-april-7-may.html" target="_blank">my Japan trip,</a> so I decided to stay there for 4D3N and go back to Malaysia one day earlier lol.</span><br />
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So we decided to stay two nights in Lombok (Senggigi area) and I would stay one night in Gili Trawangan while my friends would stay on for another night (how I wish I had stayed one more night now!). Our hotel in Lombok was amazinggg, as our rooms exited right onto the expansive pool.</div>
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We also decided to hire a mini-van private tour with Abel / Sibli, who was kind enough to accommodate us with all our wishes and basically helped to shape our itinerary while we were in Lombok. Highly recommended if you do want to use their services :) (You may contact me via e-mail for his info!) Other than that, we arranged our accommodations on our own, and only fine-tuned the itinerary given by Abel / Sibli based on our interests.</div>
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We ended up going to Benang Setokel & Benang Kelambu waterfalls on our first day, and from thereon made our way to Kuta Beach and Mawun Beach. Mawun Beach was my favourite beach in Lombok! It had such a laidback atmosphere and the beach felt more private compared to Kuta Beach. Should definitely be in everyone's itinerary, plus the scenery there was beautiful.</div>
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After that, we made our way to Gili Trawangan when we then took a snorkeling tour to Gili Meno and Gili Air (lunch with a few and beautiful snorkeling spots, what else could you ask for really?). </div>
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While we were riding the boat, we could hear the azan (Muslim call for prayer) resounding throughout the sea, which was pretty amazing. (Lombok alone has 1000+ surau / prayer rooms, you're sure to find one every 5km or so, I kid you not.) Suffice to say, Lombok & Gili are two perfect spots for Muslim visitors :) Also, I really really miss the food there! The spicy chicken was my favourite <3<br />
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Thanks for the great fun, Lombok! Definitely of my favourite vacations ever <3<br />
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Last but not least, here's a video of our trip to Lombok & Gili with the help of my dad's GoPro:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="336" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/129332024" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/129332024">#UGretreat @ Lombok</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user39209211">Nadirah</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b>Places Visited:</b><br />
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- Lombok (Benang Setokel, Benang Kelambu, Kuta Beach, Mawun Beach)</div>
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- Gili Trawangan</div>
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- Gili Air</div>
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- Gili Meno</div>
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Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-70250602674174354522016-01-14T11:33:00.002+08:002016-01-28T19:51:59.875+08:00[JAPAN 2015] Day 12: Osaka <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As today would be my last day in Japan, I decided to take it easy and just visit a few places which was on my list before ending it with a final shopping spree in Shinsaibashi (I can't return from Japan without visiting Book Off - it's my favourite store in Japan lol). I initially wanted to go to Kumano Kodo, but seeing the crowd at Mt. Koya I decided to call it off hahaha. There's no way I was going to survive standing for another 6 hours in a train #knowyourlimits</div>
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Decided to make my way to Sumiyoshi Taisha in the morning, which is one of Japan's oldest shrines. It's also one of the few shrines whose architecture is not influenced by other Asian cultures, and are considered purely Japanese.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous Sorihashi Bridge. During hatsumode this is the most-visited site lol I don't think I can handle that kind crowd</td></tr>
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Made my way to Nakanoshima Park, where (as luck would have it) they had a rose garden and some kind of viewing event going on. A lot of people were just playing around in the park with their families and kids (some even had a camping tent set up) - this is basically a fun place to people watch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can take a river cruise here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCTTBA02-jE/VUyKRnBE3MI/AAAAAAAAFK0/1UfuOc4Np_U/s1600/SAM_4571%2B%2528Medium%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCTTBA02-jE/VUyKRnBE3MI/AAAAAAAAFK0/1UfuOc4Np_U/s640/SAM_4571%2B%2528Medium%2529%2B-%2BCopy.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If my dad lived in Japan, this would be him with his plein air painting</td></tr>
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After that, I made my way back to my hotel, which was situated around Den Den Town area, so decided to do some last minute shopping at Book Off in Shinsaibashi and walked around the area before calling it a night.</div>
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And thus ends my Japan 2015 trip.<br />
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...Little did I know I was going again in December for Maaya's New Year Countdown, LOL. (A post on the NYE trip to come!)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-day-11-mt-koya-koyasan.html">Day 11 (Koyasan / Mt. Koya)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-masterpost-24-april-7-may.html">Japan 2015 Masterpost</a></span>Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-892018433761116549.post-49606696497874787362016-01-14T11:27:00.000+08:002016-01-30T21:25:40.337+08:00[JAPAN 2015] Day 11: Mt. Koya (Koyasan)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure how I came upon the idea of visiting Mt. Koya (I read up a lot about all the interesting places to visit at japan-guide.com and there was a lot of internet-hopping involved), but it stuck and I decided to allocate a day to visit Mt. Koya - and mind you, this was during Golden Week. Obviously I had no idea what I had gotten myself into lol.</div>
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Usually it's recommended for you to stay in a shukubo temple lodging for a night at least, where you would get to experience the buddhist vegetarian cuisine as well as getting to sit in the monks' morning chant sessions (plus you get to experience Okunoin at night!). It would've been a great experience, but since I had limited time in Japan I decided to just do a one-day trip from Osaka to Mt. Koya. Maybe next time it'd be an interesting experience to stay in a shukubo temple :)<br />
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I travelled from Nanba station to Mt. Koya and bought a day pass for the train and cable car ride. The train itself was PACKED oh my God - I even got up earlier (around 7am) in hopes that the Golden Week crowd wouldn't be so bad.<br />
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NOPE. Had to stand for 2-3 hours all the way to Mt. Koya and then stand for another 2-3 hours on the way back to Osaka hahahahahaha. So yeah. Burned a few calories so that's cool I guess, whatever.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at the crowd - LOOK AT IT!!!</span></div>
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Anyway, back to Mt. Koya. So basically, the founder (and arguably the most influential man) of Buddhism in Japan, Kobo Daishi, was said to have remained in eternal meditation in one of the sites here, called Okunoin. Okunoin is basically a path lined with cemeteries, and the path leads you to the Ichi-no-Hashi Bridge where you will then enter a temple that's said to be Kobo Daishi's final resting place.<br />
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The <b>Okunoin </b>path itself was amazing - it's not exactly eerie, but there's a solemness to it that makes the experience a bit surreal. There were quite a lot of people who were walking this path, but even that doesn't take away from the experience.<br />
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A group of kindergarten children, seemingly on a field trip (seriously why do you guys get so many cool field trips), was walking past when the teacher asked them to talk to me (SO CUTE. They asked me haltingly "where are you from" TOO CUTE). I guess they were doing some sort of survey on foreign visitors visiting Okunoin and the kids asked me where I came from. As a reward for answering them, they gave me the cutest origami to have ever graced my working table.<br />
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Once you get past the bridge leading to the Okunoin Temple, you are respectfully asked not to photograph the temple inside, hence no photos of the temple. <br />
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I couldn't go to Mt. Koya without experiencing the shojin ryori (Buddhist vegeterian cuisine), so I stopped by Hanabishi and had to wait for an hour or more to get a table lol. As expected, Golden Week is truly terrifying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrCzueg-CWc/VUyIxcIOYQI/AAAAAAAAFHo/ZLWsoZMoaE0/s1600/SAM_4488%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrCzueg-CWc/VUyIxcIOYQI/AAAAAAAAFHo/ZLWsoZMoaE0/s640/SAM_4488%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist buying a bento from Hanabishi and ate it for dinner :P</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J44uPkX2yao/VUyIx1YFtoI/AAAAAAAAFHs/eNSmwx_UlpE/s1600/SAM_4490%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J44uPkX2yao/VUyIx1YFtoI/AAAAAAAAFHs/eNSmwx_UlpE/s640/SAM_4490%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the packaging was exquisite</td></tr>
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I'm glad I visited Mt. Koya, even though it was during the Golden Week holidays #noregretslol. But honestly it would've been a great experience to stay one night in a shukubo lodging, and it would give you more time to travel around all the other great sites Koyasan has to offer. Would highly recommend a 2D1N visit to Koyasan if you're ever in the Osaka region.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-day-7-10-nanba-kobe.html">Day 7-10 (Nanba, Kobe & USJ)</a> | Go to <a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-day-12-osaka.html">Day 12 (Osaka)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://wanderlustraveller.blogspot.com/2016/01/japan-2015-masterpost-24-april-7-may.html">Japan 2015 Masterpost</a></span>Nadirahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09497414603513662863noreply@blogger.com0