The last time I was at IKEA was in July.  First week of July, if I remember it right.  After five exciting work months, I will finally be spending an IKEA day with Bebe, mom-, sister-, brother-in-laws, and two other lovely people.  I can hardly wait!

It’s going to be an hour and a half drive to the nearest IKEA [IKEA Gävle] from our town and yet, I am still wide awake.  Time check’s 2.36 past midnight and sleep hasn’t found its way to me yet.

A cute bed for kids!
Enjoying my IKEA Gävle visit in July:

Without a doubt, one of the most romantic times of the year is Christmas, couple that with a romantic place to visit and you could have one of the most memorable times of your life. The place I would urge you all to visit at Christmas is China and you will not be disappointed. China has a lot to offer. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, there's plenty to see so expect an action packed holiday seeing some of the most beautiful places in the world.

My favourite place to go in China for a romantic getaway is Harbin; it is a city in Northeast China. The weather in Harbin can be cold around Christmas time; the average winter temperature is -16c. Don't let that put you off; the weather enables the city to hold the world’s famous International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. The festival officially starts a little after Christmas on January 5th however if you can't stay that long after Christmas you can see most of the sculptures before the start date. Ice sculptures are scattered all over the city and they give you a reason to explore parts of the city you wouldn't normally visit. The main snow sculptures can be seen at Sun Island and next door is Ice and Snow World which comes to life at night with fantastic light shows bringing the ice sculptures to life. The festival in Harbin is in the top four ice and snow festivals in the world, it is a real draw for people and attracts numerous people to the area that wouldn't normally be frequented.

As we traveled on foot along the popular River Thames in London, I just could not stop myself from admiring the scenery.  Although the walk was very long combined with the unpredictable sunny-rain-showery weather, I, Bebe and Lo kept on going, enjoying every step we took.

After crossing London’s iconic symbol, Tower Bridge, I could already feel my legs shaking a bit.  Tired and exhausted, I took a quick break and sat down with the birds.

Taking a two-minute break with the pigeons on the south bank of the River Thames near Tower Bridge:

Sitting on that spot gave me that window of opportunity to really look around and experience London’s beauty.  Deep breaths, a smile for the camera and then we kept on going.

A few meters away from Tower Bridge stands this magnificent building.  I had no idea whatsoever what it was.  I found myself mesmerized.  I was a bit stressed that day due to the long itinerary we had to fit into just one day that I had no much time for asking questions.  So, I did the quickest act to do… take photos and ask later.

So well, days later, I have learned that the magnificent building is the City Hall of London – the headquarters of the London City Mayor and the London Assembly.  Wow.  I wish I had the luxury of time to get inside the building and snap some shots.  For now, this will do…

The City Hall in Central London designed by Norman Foster and cost £65 million to construct:

The next time I get the chance to pass by London’s City Hall, I’ll definitely make an effort to get inside and see its beauty from within.

How about you?  Have you ever been to the London City Hall?  If so, have you gotten in?

While going through my unread e-mail page, I have been stumbling upon interesting vacation deals and offers from travel websites.  With this year’s very cold Swedish winter [coldest I’ve experience yet], I usually daydream about flying somewhere warm.

Last night, before hitting the sack, Bebe talked about planning a 2013 beach getaway.  No final decision yet as to where exactly but if I am to take a wild guess, I have this feeling that it’s going to be somewhere in Spain.  Mallorca?  Could be.  Could be!

The very inviting Es Trenc beach, in CamposPalma de Mallorca, Spain:

Photo credit: spainonline.com

With stunning beaches and popular resorts, Mallorca’s definitely added to our 2013 travel wish list.

I have also heard of Ses Illetes, Formentera in Balaeric Islands and the Gandia in Costa Blanca.  People who have been there say that these beaches are gorgeous and certainly worth the visit.  Adding these two as well on the list!

The Canary Islands have long been held as a cracking year-round holiday destination. For a start, it's got the type of climate that promises long scorching summers and mild t-shirt weather in the winter, perfect if you fancy getting away from the damp and drizzle of home. Then there's the range of diversity on offer. These volcanic islands were formed by centuries of violent eruptions which created a fascinating environment and left behind a legacy of fertile lands, soaring volcanic peaks and bizarre rock formations.

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular of the Canary Islands, and it's not hard to see why. This fascinating island provides a wonderfully diverse holiday destination, and it starts with the gorgeous beaches. Glittering sands, sparkling shores, bubbly holiday resorts and plenty of entertainment for all ages – Gran Canaria really does have it all. And it won't break the bank either. Cheap holidays in Gran Canaria come in various forms, many of which can be found as a late deal by booking a few weeks prior to the departure date.

A friend who has been working in Dubai for a couple of years now doesn’t fail to upload her great Dubai adventures on her Facebook wall.  Some photos I find like… okay, nothing big… but when those Wild Wadi Water Park pictures start coming into sight on my FB’s Most Recent Stories page, baaaamm!  I find myself drooling.  Well, sort of.

My first thought was The Amazing Race.  I mean, wasn’t it featured in one of the seasons of The Amazing Race [US Version] and The Amazing Race Asia Season 1?  I better check that one out later just to be sure.

Photo credit: City Known

The Norwegian Epic is among the largest and most innovative cruise ships currently offering holidays to families of all sizes from around the world. Destinations covered by the Epic over the course of the year include the Caribbean and various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Entertainment on-board includes the Blue Man Group, a unique set of performers who have been consistently reviewed as some of the best and most exuberant you'll see anywhere on land or at sea.

Accommodation is top notch on the Epic as it is throughout the Norwegian Cruises fleet and while she is very much a family-friendly vessel there are rooms for individual travellers available throughout the year as well. Other features of the ship include no fewer than 20 different dining options that ought to keep each and every member of even the fussiest party well and truly satisfied from a culinary point of view. Plus you can eat whenever you like so there isn't a strict schedule that guests on the Epic need to stick to as there sometimes is with other cruise providers.

Whether you’re in London for business or pleasure, as a visitor, commuter or tourist, no doubt at one time or other you’ll pass through Euston station. As the main hub for visitors from the Midlands and the North and one of London’s busiest rail terminals, Euston handles around 7,000 passengers per hour and over 30 million people every year.

Its location provides an excellent spot as a springboard to reach other areas of London and many tourists choose to stay here for both convenience and accessibility. And despite its central position, hotel rates are still fairly reasonable too. Take Travelodge for instance. Famous for its huge range of centrally located hotels and its affordable rates, the chances are you’ll always find one of these hotels right in the thick of the action - and this Travelodge Euston hotel is no exception. Just a few minutes’ walk from Euston station, the location is spot on for access to the terminal and the network of underground stations.

However there are also plenty of sights and sounds within the vicinity that should appear on any must-see list for London. Just some of the best sights close to Euston include:

• Camden Town: Home to the famous Camden Markets, this is a definite must-see for all things bohemian. The original Camden Lock market started here in the 1970s and has since been joined by other markets including Buck Street Market, The Stables, Camden Lock Village and the indoor Electric Ballroom. Famous for its alternative fashions, trinkets, literature, music, jewellery and more, Camden exudes a lively buzz and comes alive after dark. Markets aside, you’ll find plenty of live music venues, pubs, bars and quaint restaurants in the area too.

That short vacation in Hong Kong in August of 2009 gave me a chance to visit the enormous Tian Tan Buddha.  Also referred to as the Big Buddha, the 250 metric ton statue is made of bronze and was completed in 1993.  With a height of 34 meters, it’s impossible not to spot the Tian Tan Buddha sitting on a throne on top of a high altar at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

We [Lo, Bebe and I] arrived at the Ngong Ping Village a couple of hours after having lunch via the cable car.  The Big Buddha was the last place we visited while there which was just lovely.  The sun was already starting to set by the time we arrived at the top.  With 240 steps to climb, getting there was kind of a challenge especially to tired and hungry tourists.

2012 has been awesome so far.  I received my heart’s desire for my birthday plus Bebe told me about the huge chance of flying to Florida in June or July of 2013 for a two- or three-week vacation.  Since my boyfriend and I do not belong to the group of rich couples, we need to really save for the trip.  Funny though.  Getting a two-way ticket to Florida from Sweden is cheaper at almost half the price than getting one to the Philippines.  Sigh.

In this very early stage, the Florida holiday is still under the maybe category as we’re still considering the possibility of hopping in a plane to the Philippines with or without the luck of finding a good deal on airfare tickets.

Anyhoo, if Florida wins after doing the math, we’ll definitely be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort!  Well, we have been to Hong Kong Disneyland but I bet, the world thing is a whole new story so if we’re in Florida, there’s no stopping us from entering the magical world of Disney!

Photo credit: Walt Disney World

Quick question though… Is Star Tours available in Walt Disney Florida or is it only in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California?  I really want to spend a day in Disneyland with Darth Vader!  Bebe even wants it more!

How about you?  Have you been to the Walt Disney World Resort?  If yes, how many days did you spend there?  How many theme parks did you visit?  If you haven’t been there yet, is Disney World included in your travel wish list?

Sweden - Summer’s out.  Autumn’s in.  It can’t be stopped as the temperature grows colder and colder day after day.  The leaves are turning from green to yellow to orange to brown then are finally falling onto the ground.  It’s colorful just like spring and summer but in another way.  It’s like there are different hues of everything –— only, sadly frozen without the presence of snow.

As I was walking home from work a week ago, I couldn’t stop myself from taking a photo of this:

The scenery is pretty, I know.  Just like you, I am thankful for each day I get although I am aware that one day, the alluring potpourri like view above will soon be covered with achromatic meters of snow.

How about on your side of the world? How’s the weather? What’s the season? Are the leaves changing colors and are soon to kiss earth, too?

Have a wonderful autumn, everyone!

Without question, two European capitals on the top of everyone’s must-see travel list are London and Paris. The two cities offer visitors a plethora of tourist attractions ranging from historic buildings and landmarks to fine dining and exciting nightlife, and they’re easily accessible to the rest of Europe. Making the most of your experience in both cities requires a little planning. Here’s what you can expect from your capital hopping adventure in London and Paris:

London

London is a city that makes history exciting. There, your list of historical activities might range from watching the tradition of the Changing of the Guard outside of Buckingham Palace to attending a show at the Globe Theatre to coming face-to-face with historical figures of yore at the quirky Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. You could also join in the thousand-year-old tradition of shopping at Borough Market—home to an impressive selection of British and international produce—or partake in London’s current food revolution by sampling its fare: head to the curry houses on Brick Lane or the restaurants in Chinatown for ethnic, or go gourmet at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

The Tower Bridge in London:

One of the major drawbacks often attributed to London travel is cost. However, London has plenty of free attractions, most notably its world-class museums and galleries including the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. Buy a pay-as-you-go Oyster Card for cheap rides on the Tube, and take the Euro Train for fast and affordable travel to your next destination: Paris.

Paris

Paris is a city with style. Not only will you find it in the city’s impressive display of architectural landmarks—from the heights of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower to the intricate details of Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral—you’ll also see it in the shop windows, and in the trendy garb of passersby. For this reason, in Paris, a visit to the Faubourg Saint-Honoré or the Marais shopping district is just as essential as a stop in Concorde Square.

But as with your visit to London, your Paris excursion doesn’t have to break the bank. The beauty of great architecture is that it can be enjoyed from outside, rather than having to pay a pricy entrance fee. As for the fashion, check out one of the free fashion shows held every Friday at the Galeries Lafayette, and wait to do your shopping at Paris Flea Markets, where you’ll find plenty of discounted and vintage items to browse.

Another great tip for travel to London and Paris is to plan your visit during the shoulder season—November, April, or May. Your budget will reap the benefits of lower airfares and hotel rates, and in most cases the weather will still be bearable.

It’s sad to say but most weeks of this year’s Swedish summer has simply rained away.  To those who have flown to a warmer part of the world for a vacation, they’re lucky.  To those who have chosen to stay, it’s kinda sad.  But well.  Hopefully the remaining days of July are going to bring better, shinier stories.  If not, at least there’s still August to look up to.

Anyhoo, I am one of those who haven’t travelled to any sunny paradise this summer.  I have been working all the time which is of course something I am so thankful for.  Bebe on the other hand is on his four-week vacation from work.  Nope… he isn’t flying to any destination either as he feels bad to leave me here, working --- sweet guy, I have!  He says that his vacation’s not that bad as it might sound.  London 2012 Olympics, afternoon coffee with his friends and movie nights with me keep him satisfied.  We’re thinking of taking a vacation next year.  Where?  That, we don’t know yet.  Definitely, if something comes up, I’ll keep you all posted.

Oh by the way, we drove to IKEA [Gävle] a week ago [with Bebe, mom-in-law and mom-in-law’s boyfriend].  It might sound silly but that visit to IKEA has been a lovely treat.  If you don’t know yet, for simple people like me, IKEA is our kind of Disneyland --- if you know what I mean.

Well then.  I hope everyone’s having a sunny and worth-while 2012 summer.  If not, have a great day anyway!

This is my summer 2012 so far.  How’s yours?

Friday and Saturday --- the sun was out, perfect for the Midsummer’s Eve and Day that every living soul in Sweden was praying for.  Although there had been whips and splashes of cold breeze from time to time, there was no room for complaints as the sun showered us with its beautiful rays two days in a row.

Sunday and Monday [yesterday and today!] --- as the dark sky covers the entire town with moody showers of rain, barbecue, picnic and sunbathing are for the meantime put on hold until the clouds clear on another day.  The kids, the kids at heart and grown ups are without question looking forward to more sunny summer and [of course] ice cream days!  Come on heavens!  Please let the sunshine pour on us!

One scoop of pistachio ice cream
+ one scoop of chocolate ice cream
= two scoops of HAPPINESS on a sunny weather! 

Whenever I visit new places, I tend to overspend on clothes, shoes and bags.  As crazy as it may sound but shopping gives me great joy.  A wise spender - I am not.  At the end of each vacation, I end up facing two issues which I am pretty sure that you can relate to: first, the maximum baggage allowance [I hate paying charges for overweight luggage] and second, how to magically squeeze in every single item in my suitcase.

[August 2011] - A week before heading to the UK for a one week vacation with Bebe, I promised myself to stay away from overshopping.  Mind you… I tried really hard but because we arrived in London in the midst of its super sale season, my weak knees gave in.

Really, how could you say NO to this?

11 June 2012, Söderhamn, Sweden: Two days ago, I took a stroll downtown to take a gasp of fresh air.  I did not walk that far from the apartment as I was also tired and my back hurt quite a bit.  Instead, I sat on one of the benches in the picnic area fronting the downtown river.  The sun was shining proud as I felt the wind blow my hair, kiss my cheeks and tickle my nose.  It was a very relaxing moment.  No stress.  No pressure.  It was just me, the scenery, my shadow and my cam.

Me and my pair of pink Converse enjoying the refreshing scenery

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts [Manila Bay’s Sunset: The View from the White Moon Bar], I never fail to spend a day inside Manila Ocean Park with my family and friends whenever I am on vacation in the Philippines.  Really?  What is not to love?  It is a magical place for people of all ages!  If you have been there, then you know what I mean.  If you haven’t yet, you are missing out on something great!

Anyhoo, it is a shame that I have only stumbled upon the Manila Ocean Park’s Facebook Fan Page minutes ago - yup, the official one which then lead me to their website.  The website makes me want to fly there at once!

The colorful and well animated Manila Ocean Park website is complete with a list of attractions, hotel and spa information, entertainment page, promos to grab and a tab for packages to check.

My first visit was in July of 2009 then again, in February 2010.  I have gone through the Oceanarium, experienced the Glass Bottom Boatride and offered my feet and legs for the doctorfish at the Fish Spa.  I do some souvenir shopping and have enjoyed a few minutes inside the arcade station.  My oh my … a day filled with pure adventure for sure!

Back to the website --- now I know that by the time I return to the Philippines, there are more things to do for me in Manila Ocean Park.  Exciting!

Added Attractions [since the last time I was there in February 2010]:

Marine Life Show
Jellies - dancing sea fairies
AquaNaut Voyage
Swimming and Fun
Musical Fountain Show
Trails to Antarctica

Coming Soon:

Fun Rides

To Check:

The White Moon Bar
The H2O Hotel
Liquid Pool Lounge

Hmmm… I think I will be needing at least two days to enjoy all these.  I am thinking of getting a one night stay in Hotel H2O.  The Park View room for Php9,700 is the cheapest [ouch!] but it is going to be worth the experience, I hope.  I am in the lookout for some of their upcoming promos.  Fingers crossed, I’ll be grabbing a brilliant deal for our [Bebe and I] 2013 vacation.

That is simply irresistible!

Photo credit: hotelh2o.com

How about you?  Have you recently visited Manila Ocean Park?  Which attractions did you see?  Did you purchase package deals?  How was the experience?

I missed this huge event in London, big time!  Bebe and Lo flew to London two weeks before I migrated to Sweden but promised myself though that I would fly to the next Star Wars Exhibit location.  Spain?  Denmark?  Singapore?  Does not matter where.  I will definitely not miss it!

Just like most of you, I too am a Star Wars fan but not as crazy as Bebe and Lo who can answer Star Wars trivia questions without even blinking.  Oh certainly… I will be at the next Star Wars Exhibition with these two experts.

I was happy though that Bebe took loads of photos from the exhibit.  There were more than 240 original Star Wars costumes, vehicles, models, props and objects featured in the exhibit.  Imagine the massive amount of digital pictures he brought home with him!  Flipping through them brought me loads of joy! 

Bebe and Darth Vader

Lo with a friendly Stormtrooper

Going through the photos again reminds me that I have missed something really awesome that day.  Ouch!

How about you?  Have you been to any Star Wars Exhibition?  If you have, where and when?  How was the experience?  Will you be there on their next exhibit?  If you haven’t, are you looking forward to your first Star Wars Exhibition experience?

01 July 2009 - Bebe and I were on our way to the Philippines for a three-week vacation but before enjoying the warm Philippine weather, we first needed to go through the not-so-fun part - getting there.

We flew from Arlanda Airport [Sweden] to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport via Air France where we waited for our connecting flight to Hong Kong.  Waiting period?  Six hours.

The airport staff, most of them, were unfriendly which did not bother us really.  We were too exhausted to spend our remaining energy in being frustrated.  All we wanted was to get some snacks, find good seats, take a nap, snap a few photos and relax until boarding time was announced.

The departure lounge is cozy and everything is neatly arranged.  Shops and boutiques are everywhere, restaurants, too.  Toilets are in every corner and are kept clean 24 hours a day.

Considered as the 7th busiest airport in the world, it is very spacious to accommodate a large number of travellers.  Oh yup!  It can be very crowded, too!  The second time we were there, many were sitting while others took their naps on the floor.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 2E Departure Lounge - During daytime:

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 2E Departure Lounge - At night:

Duty Free Shops and Boutiques inside the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport:

The Ramp:

Yes.  Wi-Fi is available in the waiting lounge for a free of €10/hour or €30/day.  Expensive, huh?

Whenever I fly to the Philippines for a vacation, I make sure to stop by the Manila Ocean Park.  I have been there in July 2009 and then in February the following year.  I love most things about this oceanarium in Manila.  I can’t wait to visit it again.  Next year, maybe?

When inside the Manila Ocean Park, there is one thing you do not want to miss --- Manila Bay’s sunset view which is best captured from the WhiteMoon Bar.  It never fails to give me that jaw-dropping feeling.  The panoramic view of the sunset is simply magnificent reminding you of how beautiful nature is.

Manila Bay’s Sunset: The breathtaking panoramic view from the WhiteMoon Bar, Philippines

We thought of taking a thirty-minute pause, lounge on their cozy poshy sofas and order some drinks so we can appreciate the colorful sunset even more and take better photos.  Unfortunately, all tables were taken.  It was then that we learned that we should have made reservations at least a day earlier.  Oh well, next time then.

WhiteMoon Bar is open until midnight and is strategically located at the 2nd floor of the Manila Ocean Park in Manila, Philippines.  For reservations, dial 0917-8200-320.  

By the way, if you wish to have a chillaxing night at the WhiteMoon Bar, you do not need to pay the Manila Ocean Park entrance fee.  The mall beside the aquariums, the Sunset Quay Bay will lead you to the WhiteMoon Bar.  Do not worry.  The place is filled with roaming guards so in case of confusion, do not hesitate to ask any of them for directions.

Originally known as London Bridge Tower [or The Shard, The Shard of Glass and 32 London Bridge], the Shard London Bridge is soon-to-be the tallest building in the European Union. The Shard London Bridge’s construction is scheduled to be completed sometime in May 2012 reaching a total height of 1,017 feet [310 meters] and will be open to the public beginning June 2012. There will be a number of 87 floors, 72 business and residential floors and 15 additional levels in the roof.

While proceeding to our day’s schedule [the London Walk], Lo and Bebe showed me the really tall striking London Bridge Tower which was standing right outside the London Bridge Tube station. My oh my --- the glass-covered skyscraper was really impressively high and pretty!

The Shard London Bridge and I. Taken on 11 August 2011

The Shard London Bridge - a shot from inside the London Eye capsule. Taken on 11 August 2011

When the building’s ready for occupancy, The Shard is going to be a home for offices, restaurants, Shangri-La Hotel [levels 34-52], a spa, residential apartments [floors 53-65], an observatory, spire floors and of course a ground floor lobby.

Yup. I am excited to go back when it’s done. Hopefully, I can check it out at nighttime. Love city lights, baby!

How about you? Have you seen the Shard London Bridge already? When?

24 July 2009 - On our first night in Hong Kong, the guys [Bebe and Lo] were super nice that they took me to Mong Kok Ladies’ Market just to make me even happier.  From the hotel, we went to the nearest MRT station [Mass Transit Railway] which was only a five-minute walk, took the train and ta-dah - 10 minutes later and we were in Mong Kok.

Walking to the Ladies Market from the MRT station was horrible.  The signs were in Chinese [of course] and the locals were too shy to communicate in English but we got there somehow.

First night in Hong Kong and I was in for a treat!  Awesome!
Just a few steps away!  I could already smell shopping!

Signs oh signs.  Sighs oh sighs!

The Ladies Market is located on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok and is open daily from 12 noon to 11.30PM.

Where to start?  Which ones to get?

Stalls everywhere!  People everywhere!  Busy!  Busy!  Busy!

Although I am a self-proclaimed shop-a-holic and it was my first time to visit the Ladies Market in Mong Kok, I did not panic buy.  Three dresses and a pair of flip flops were all it took to make me feel satisfied [Thank you Bebe for paying].  Oh, plus Lo purchased two bags for me!  Thanks Lo!

If you are in Hong Kong and checking out the Ladies Market is in your itinerary, make sure to wear comfortable clothes.  Do not forget to wear a pair of good walking shoes too if you do not want to end up in pain.  Do not be shy to ask for a great deal!  You know you want one!  Remember to NOT go shopping overload unless your luggage can accommodate your purchases.