If you haven't seen the movie "the Terminal," then you probably won't know what I mean. But for the others, you know what I mean :P. I have arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport early. I will be catching up with Remy and catching the train to Lille. Before I booked my train from Paris - Lille Europe, for some reason I thought Remy was arriving to Paris in the morning as me from his flight from Frankfurt, but when chatting to him, to help me book it, it is actually in the evening he will be arriving. So I have about 9 hours left to chill before meeting up with him. YAY. So happy, I just wanna scream for joy.
I could have the possibility from the airport and go to Paris but not with my luggage with me! There probably is a place at the airport where I can safely leave my luggage and then venture around the place, but best not. I will head over to Paris any other day while I am here. I decided just to stay at the airport and lounge around (not that I really needed to sit on my ass for another 9
hours). I have had my 'petit dejuner' of 'chocolat chaud et pan au chocolat,' without hesistating to the cafe staff of what I wanted to order :P.
Firstly Monday morning 23rd I have made my family envious, yet again that I am departing to France...AGAIN. Dad admitted he was jealous while mums just so sad for me to be leaving her side for 2 whole weeks..missing me like mad..and only just got out of the car at the Brisbane International Airport. She misses me already??? :P Saying our good byes and 'have a fantastic trip' went inside the airport, organising my things before having my big luggage all glad-wrapped up and then heading over to the 'Singapore Airline' Desk to check-in...I was suprised
that my luggage was less than I had thought...meaning MORE SHOPPING!
Felt peckish so had hot chips and bottle of coca cola from Red Rooster before looking around the duty free...I had about 1hour and 30mins left to spare before boarding my flight.
Once in the plane..I got the window seat just looking over the wings of the plane. I somehow always get a seat where I see the wings of the plane all the time. Before or after. I must be magnetised to always sit where I can see the wings
of the plane. An 8hour flight from Brisbane - Singapore. Ate, watched tv series and had a short nap before landing in Singapore. Arrived at about 840pm Singapore time (1040pm Brisbane time) through to transit and then more shops at Changi
airport. I haven't been to this airport since 1988 so it has indeed changed a lot! It was nice, just like Hong Kong and Seoul Incheon.
Boarded my flight for a long haul of 13hours Singapore - Paris. Most of the time tried to sleep as much as I could in an comfortable and uncomfortable way in either a corpse pose, fetal to the normal sitting on chair sleep. There was
space than the regular economy seats, but still a tad small.
However the flight was good. I got to have the good ol' Singapore Sling cocktail. Yum, and then just switching back to coke, water and tea/ coffee. I have to say I had a rather educational flight because I was watching several documentaries from Samurai: The Making of a Legend, Chamapagne (despite not finishing it), Carla Bruni: France's First Lady, Ice Cream and artsy shows like "Food Sculptors" and more food shows.
I feel rather knowledgable now of somewhat random things. For example with ice cream, back in the 19th century, it was very rude for women to eat ice cream on the cone (figure it out) so what they had to do is to bring it home, tip it up-side down and discard the cone and eat it in a bowl and use a spoon. Random fact..and that ice cream..it's history is still unsure - whether the Chinese found it, italians..well I guess you can just wikipedia it up. Carla the French President's wife a singer, model and also had several afflilations with charities esp. with AIDS. I shouldn't compare her to Princess Diana, but she is out there to make a change and to take part with something, which I find is amazing. I could go on and on of what I learnt but it'd just bore you lol. You could also learn the basic
of languages via the small TV which I did for abit :P.
Later I watched "How to Train Your Dragon" and liked it. It was cool.. and I think I will buy it on DVD...I love my cartoons.
I'm such a kid a heart.
...so now its Tuesday and I have and still kicking myself that I am back here in France. Wow! Well I guess I should brush up on my language part..yea I am a tad slack I haven't learnt for a while. Whoops! My bad. Cannot wait to explore this beautiful place with more photos and more memories.
Until then
A bientot.
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Accommodation searching..eenie meanie minie mo...
Right! I've got my flights book...now...where to stay?
Searching for a place to stay for overseas (or domestic) holiday is frustrating at times. Where ever you go to a place you make sure its: -
A) close to the main city and its sites
B) close to transport
C) you get a good view (sometimes)
D) the accommodation is good for relaxation and rest after a long days tour of the place.
E) Fits your budget
F) No bed bugs!
Of course its not alway the perfect (or chosen) accommodation, as long as it's a place to rest your head.
Of course there are plenty of places you can go to such as hotel, motels, backpacking, hostels, house, apartments, couch surfing (?), renting or staying with friends and family.
Staying with friends or family, is an added bonus. One you don't need to pay for your stay (probably a little for your share of the food they cook you) or helping around the place. You get to chat about "What's new with you?" or "My gosh you've grown from this short to this tall!" You get to annoy your cousins (well as long as they are under 18yrs). Sometimes its a con, because you have to work around their schedule at times and then later at the end of your holiday with them (depending how long you stay with them) you'll get sick of them..until you say you will miss them a lot! But hey, don't get me wrong, you do enjoy staying with family, especially when you haven't seen them for a long time.
Backpacker/hostels are of course cheap and good experience in ways, as you get to mingle with every one from around the world, who has the same idea as you - Travel! You get word-of-mouth of certain backpackers, searching the internet or heading to the place to have a look, for approval.
A few know I'm a bit of princess, but when back-packing in New Zealand....it wasn't too bad. Apart from some drunken people coming through the hallway to their room was 'inconsiderate,' I can't speak, because I probably did do that too! Ha! I'm bad as them. Like I said, I prefer to stay in luxury.
Right now I am have a dilemma where to stay in Paris. AirBnB, which I have heard from a few friends is an alternative to hotels, where its 'vacation rentals' of people's apartment during your stay. I haven't used it yet, but can be cheaper I guess than hotels. Just sign up and start searching for places to stay, however need to contact the host in regards to what date you wish to stay. Sometimes they say 'yes' and other times its already occupied...*sigh*...keep searching.
Then I'm also a member of HotelClub, hotels at discounted prices. Hrm, perhaps I'll mix it up..for my first stay, a hotel and then on the way back airbnb?
Decisions, decisions indeed. I will eventually find one.
V x
Searching for a place to stay for overseas (or domestic) holiday is frustrating at times. Where ever you go to a place you make sure its: -
A) close to the main city and its sites
B) close to transport
C) you get a good view (sometimes)
D) the accommodation is good for relaxation and rest after a long days tour of the place.
E) Fits your budget
F) No bed bugs!
Of course its not alway the perfect (or chosen) accommodation, as long as it's a place to rest your head.
Of course there are plenty of places you can go to such as hotel, motels, backpacking, hostels, house, apartments, couch surfing (?), renting or staying with friends and family.
Staying with friends or family, is an added bonus. One you don't need to pay for your stay (probably a little for your share of the food they cook you) or helping around the place. You get to chat about "What's new with you?" or "My gosh you've grown from this short to this tall!" You get to annoy your cousins (well as long as they are under 18yrs). Sometimes its a con, because you have to work around their schedule at times and then later at the end of your holiday with them (depending how long you stay with them) you'll get sick of them..until you say you will miss them a lot! But hey, don't get me wrong, you do enjoy staying with family, especially when you haven't seen them for a long time.
Backpacker/hostels are of course cheap and good experience in ways, as you get to mingle with every one from around the world, who has the same idea as you - Travel! You get word-of-mouth of certain backpackers, searching the internet or heading to the place to have a look, for approval.
A few know I'm a bit of princess, but when back-packing in New Zealand....it wasn't too bad. Apart from some drunken people coming through the hallway to their room was 'inconsiderate,' I can't speak, because I probably did do that too! Ha! I'm bad as them. Like I said, I prefer to stay in luxury.
Right now I am have a dilemma where to stay in Paris. AirBnB, which I have heard from a few friends is an alternative to hotels, where its 'vacation rentals' of people's apartment during your stay. I haven't used it yet, but can be cheaper I guess than hotels. Just sign up and start searching for places to stay, however need to contact the host in regards to what date you wish to stay. Sometimes they say 'yes' and other times its already occupied...*sigh*...keep searching.
Then I'm also a member of HotelClub, hotels at discounted prices. Hrm, perhaps I'll mix it up..for my first stay, a hotel and then on the way back airbnb?
Decisions, decisions indeed. I will eventually find one.
V x
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Adrenaline Freak
So today was a rather THRILLING day. Of course it was hard to get up early - round 845am; had a not-so-warm shower, quick drink of lemon tea, miso soup and Toffee Pop biscuits; and then Remy and I left our room round 950am, grabbed a hot drink on-the-go then headed to the Station to wait for the bus to head to the place for the Shotover Jet. Once we went there, got over to wear the long black jacket and safety jacket and then a 'souvenir photo shot' from the Shot over Photographer, before heading to the Jet boat.
I don't know how long we were on the jet boat, but sure it was an amazing hair-raising ride. Our driver/pilot Glenn is crazy. Travelling at 85km/hr and when Glenn did the 360degree turns, the people on the sides of the jet boat got rather wet, as well as some people in the middle of the boat.
Gosh I'm mean, I let Remy sit at the side. *insert evil laugh*
After all the jet boating and some interesting historical info from Glenn, stepped off the jet boat, back on the bus to the Station. Afterwards went back to our place to just get changed to other jeans/socks/shoes and then hurriedly went to Subways for a quick lunch before heading back the Station for our Nevis Arc swing. Went to the Station to get 'checked-in' and weigh and waited for 1pm to get on another bus. Our friendly dread-lockin' driver took us for a 40min drive to our destination. Even starring at the window, seeing the Hanging platform I was already nervous. Feeling, excited, scared and shit-scared at the same time. I just love scaring myself...even to death.
Once we got to the destination, need to make a 'pit stop' and then went back to get re-weighed and checking in etc before 2 of the crew members took us to the 70m walkway thing (can't remember ) to the platform to have our safety gear on. Remy went first and he was upside down. I was nervous for him. The crew member didn't do much of a countdown, instead just push the button then ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. It's a very high swing indeed. My gosh my turn next.....
...So I just sat up facing the cliffs meters away from me, I give 2 of the cameras a smile before the lady pushed the button and I screamed. Words cannot really express how scared and fun it was. Being suspended for a couple of minutes before going back up, I looked down still was so high up, probably another 80meters from the rushing river, mountains and grass area. Shit I just had to do it again.
Remy and I did the swing again, this time Remy was facing forward sitting while I was facing backwards. Personally facing backwards scared the hell out of me that I screamed more than Remy (and probably made his left hear just a tad deaf!)
Its such an amazing activity. Got footage and photos of it which I will share at some stage via Facebook.
Next adrenaline rush probably Bungy Jump @ the Nevis Bungy 134m. I"m already scared.....SHIT!
Until then
Adios
Vx
I don't know how long we were on the jet boat, but sure it was an amazing hair-raising ride. Our driver/pilot Glenn is crazy. Travelling at 85km/hr and when Glenn did the 360degree turns, the people on the sides of the jet boat got rather wet, as well as some people in the middle of the boat.
Gosh I'm mean, I let Remy sit at the side. *insert evil laugh*
After all the jet boating and some interesting historical info from Glenn, stepped off the jet boat, back on the bus to the Station. Afterwards went back to our place to just get changed to other jeans/socks/shoes and then hurriedly went to Subways for a quick lunch before heading back the Station for our Nevis Arc swing. Went to the Station to get 'checked-in' and weigh and waited for 1pm to get on another bus. Our friendly dread-lockin' driver took us for a 40min drive to our destination. Even starring at the window, seeing the Hanging platform I was already nervous. Feeling, excited, scared and shit-scared at the same time. I just love scaring myself...even to death.
Once we got to the destination, need to make a 'pit stop' and then went back to get re-weighed and checking in etc before 2 of the crew members took us to the 70m walkway thing (can't remember ) to the platform to have our safety gear on. Remy went first and he was upside down. I was nervous for him. The crew member didn't do much of a countdown, instead just push the button then ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. It's a very high swing indeed. My gosh my turn next.....
...So I just sat up facing the cliffs meters away from me, I give 2 of the cameras a smile before the lady pushed the button and I screamed. Words cannot really express how scared and fun it was. Being suspended for a couple of minutes before going back up, I looked down still was so high up, probably another 80meters from the rushing river, mountains and grass area. Shit I just had to do it again.
Remy and I did the swing again, this time Remy was facing forward sitting while I was facing backwards. Personally facing backwards scared the hell out of me that I screamed more than Remy (and probably made his left hear just a tad deaf!)
Its such an amazing activity. Got footage and photos of it which I will share at some stage via Facebook.
Next adrenaline rush probably Bungy Jump @ the Nevis Bungy 134m. I"m already scared.....SHIT!
Until then
Adios
Vx
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Off Again
I am off yet again on another flight and this time to US of A. I am so excited! Woo hoo....I would have love to pack all of you in my suit case, but I guess it would have to be first in first serve >.<
I hope to up-date as frequent and as long as I am in range from a free wi-fi or cheap internet.
Miss you
Until then....
Adios
Vx
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Holiday Organising
Heya all,
As you all know, I am super excited to be going overseas. If you don't know where I am heading to, I will be in Napier, New Zealand, a day back in Brisbane and then heading to the USA for a month to see relatives.
Now, since it is closer to the date I have to organise a few things
A) Travel Insurance (I'll be an idiot for not bringing one!)
B) Gifts for relatives and wedding gift and
C) Once I got 'em time to pack, pack, pack!
As the usual 'Vivian' I cram everything in the last minute. I really should write a list of what to bring *Vivi now takes note of this!* A matter of fact she is currently 'multi-tasking' - typing her blog and also jotting down the items I need for my trip!
I know I will get in a frantic mode when it comes to packing. GOSH packing is a bitch to do. Even more of a bitch when you are a GIRL! I swear all of you girls agree that packing is a difficult chore! OKay so I may be exaggerating, but packing items to go overseas, as a girl..you wish you can take your closet full of err clothes, accessories...argh! Might as well take your whole ROOM with you on your trip..trouble is...a) how'd you fit 'em in your suitcase and b) your folks/housemates will be wondering where the missing bedroom is!?!?! Good idea? No?
So, of course I will be not entirely 'fussy' but pick the things I really need to take on my trip...I really don't need 10,000 shirts (exaggerating!) on a trip. It is okay to wear some clothes for a couple of days (depending where you go i.e. if going near mud then frequent) before washing them and of course if all else fails..shop for new clothes (which in realisation..adding extra kilos to a 'supposedly-already-filled-up-suitcase'...but thats my whole purpose asides from visiting friends/family shopping overseas)!
So I guess at the end it won't be too bad for me. *Sighs*
Travel insurance is getting to my head. I have to get before I leave..I will be a knob IF I don't take insurance. There are plenty of travel insurance companies round etc, however being a cheap chick I'm searching for the cheap price with good benefits. I better get that underway before it does my head in.
Gifts, I am stuck for gift ideas for my cousins in Jacksonville, Florida..any ideas? One is for a belated 16th b/day present while the other is just for the sake of getting one for her, as well as the rest of the relatives I am seeing. Don't get me wrong I like to give people gifts. It just gets difficult at times of WHAT type of things your friend/family is into. Sometimes I have a some idea to give and I go with my gut instinct. I also get this vibe of when getting a gift. You can't rush in the last minute (i.e. 30mins before you are at her b/day party or wedding) because it doesn't have any meaning behind to why you brought it. I will eventually find them a gift.
..And back to the frantic part...I have little time, and I am working so it's going to be 'cram-everything-before-I-go-packing!'
Adios
V x
As you all know, I am super excited to be going overseas. If you don't know where I am heading to, I will be in Napier, New Zealand, a day back in Brisbane and then heading to the USA for a month to see relatives.
Now, since it is closer to the date I have to organise a few things
A) Travel Insurance (I'll be an idiot for not bringing one!)
B) Gifts for relatives and wedding gift and
C) Once I got 'em time to pack, pack, pack!
As the usual 'Vivian' I cram everything in the last minute. I really should write a list of what to bring *Vivi now takes note of this!* A matter of fact she is currently 'multi-tasking' - typing her blog and also jotting down the items I need for my trip!
I know I will get in a frantic mode when it comes to packing. GOSH packing is a bitch to do. Even more of a bitch when you are a GIRL! I swear all of you girls agree that packing is a difficult chore! OKay so I may be exaggerating, but packing items to go overseas, as a girl..you wish you can take your closet full of err clothes, accessories...argh! Might as well take your whole ROOM with you on your trip..trouble is...a) how'd you fit 'em in your suitcase and b) your folks/housemates will be wondering where the missing bedroom is!?!?! Good idea? No?
So, of course I will be not entirely 'fussy' but pick the things I really need to take on my trip...I really don't need 10,000 shirts (exaggerating!) on a trip. It is okay to wear some clothes for a couple of days (depending where you go i.e. if going near mud then frequent) before washing them and of course if all else fails..shop for new clothes (which in realisation..adding extra kilos to a 'supposedly-already-filled-up-suitcase'...but thats my whole purpose asides from visiting friends/family shopping overseas)!
So I guess at the end it won't be too bad for me. *Sighs*
Travel insurance is getting to my head. I have to get before I leave..I will be a knob IF I don't take insurance. There are plenty of travel insurance companies round etc, however being a cheap chick I'm searching for the cheap price with good benefits. I better get that underway before it does my head in.
Gifts, I am stuck for gift ideas for my cousins in Jacksonville, Florida..any ideas? One is for a belated 16th b/day present while the other is just for the sake of getting one for her, as well as the rest of the relatives I am seeing. Don't get me wrong I like to give people gifts. It just gets difficult at times of WHAT type of things your friend/family is into. Sometimes I have a some idea to give and I go with my gut instinct. I also get this vibe of when getting a gift. You can't rush in the last minute (i.e. 30mins before you are at her b/day party or wedding) because it doesn't have any meaning behind to why you brought it. I will eventually find them a gift.
..And back to the frantic part...I have little time, and I am working so it's going to be 'cram-everything-before-I-go-packing!'
Adios
V x
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