Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
It was quite literally, just one afternoon in Saigon.
Apart from the long commute from the airport to Zone 1, we did manage to visit some sights!
OUR 1 DAY ITINERARY
- Saigon Central Post Office
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Ho Chi Minh City Hall
- Cafe Apartments
Saigon is split into districts, and so most of our itinerary landed us in District 1 since it's the city center. We managed to see most places in District 1, everything was in walking distance. If we had more time, maybe in the morning or another day, we could have gone to other places but here's what we managed.
SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE
One of the most iconic tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, it's actually a functioning post office to my surprise.
With beautiful colonial architecture and ornate decorations, it felt like I was back in Europe. Inside though are regular people sending letters, the tourists and merchants selling trinkets and souvenirs to said-tourists. I didn't manage to get some, unfortunately. Only some photos.
One of the most iconic tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, it's actually a functioning post office to my surprise.
With beautiful colonial architecture and ornate decorations, it felt like I was back in Europe. Inside though are regular people sending letters, the tourists and merchants selling trinkets and souvenirs to said-tourists. I didn't manage to get some, unfortunately. Only some photos.
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
There is a surprising amount of French Colonial Architecture here in the city, like the Notre Dame Cathedral. And like the Notre Dame in France, it was closed for construction. Oh well.
Tall at 60 meters, the stained glass windows and all-red brick were imported from Marseille. It is still a functioning church with a Virgin Mary statue right in front. It's one of the few strongholds of catholicism in a largely Buddhist Vietnam.
Tall at 60 meters, the stained glass windows and all-red brick were imported from Marseille. It is still a functioning church with a Virgin Mary statue right in front. It's one of the few strongholds of catholicism in a largely Buddhist Vietnam.
HO CHI MINH CITY HALL
It was closed by the time we arrived by 5.
A pastel yellow fixture that oversaw the long walk. The city hall is one of the most iconic and well-preserved landmarks in Vietnam, with a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building. I wish I could have gone inside but I'll settle for next time.
CAFE APARTMENTS
It is what it is. A stack of cafes and shops in an apartment block.
I've never seen anything as cool and eclectic as this. We trudged up the stairs to see different shops as there are no layouts for the floors. It's the fun kind of maze, finding little treasures on your adventure. We found ourselves at a small bakery to rest before we went back to the airport.
Photos by
The one place I wished we did got to was Ben Thanh Market but it had closed early, and the night market opened later. We didn't have enough time to visit and make it back to the airport on time.
Still, Vietnam left me a sweet taste and a longing to go back. Only time will tell when.
Still, Vietnam left me a sweet taste and a longing to go back. Only time will tell when.
Have you ever been to Saigon?
Where is your next destination?
with love,
Bash Harry
I didn’t tell my parents I was solo traveling until the plane took off. I sent a quick selfie to the family group chat, said goodbye and turned off my phone. Suffice to say, they weren’t thrilled.
The day I booked the tickets, my mind wasn’t working right. I had been crying, worried, angry at myself. It could’ve been anywhere. I had been looking at Oslo the night before but the tickets to Venice were cheap - a return from Bristol was only £24. That Saturday morning, I booked the flights and the following Monday, I left.
I never thought solo traveling was for me, I imagined someone else tagging along but this was a trip I had to do myself. It was a necessity. Four short days in Venice, Italy left me better than ever.
Here’s why.
1. It’s terrifying.
The first thing I did when the plane landed in Venice that late evening was break my portable charger. I had tripped on my way to Immigration, which took so long I almost missed my bus to the hostel.
Not a great start to my trip.
When traveling alone, there is an underlying tone of fear. I clutched my backpack, had no valuables in my pocket, and printed copies of my passport. I always returned to the accommodation before 8pm. These small precautions made my trip feel safer, I wouldn’t have done if I traveled in a group.
This fear heightens your awareness of your surroundings. You’re focused on new people and the places you go. Solo traveling makes the fear just a slightly bit more real (in a good way, I promise).
2. Time for self-reflection
I spent more time writing notes in cafes and streets in those 3 days than I did in the past 6 months.
I was able to do what I want when I wanted. Whether to see landmarks or sitting down at a cafe just to write my thoughts on said-landmarks. Being alone in a new city provided me space to think, at a time when I was incredibly lost. I had no direction, no reason, no feelings left to comprehend anything.
If I didn’t leave the UK, I don’t think I would have made it.
You’re forced to grow. When I felt empty, I left to develop a new sense of self. The change of scenery and time away makes you think. I definitely needed that.
3. Being alone is okay
I struggled with being alone, I always needed to be with someone - friend or otherwise. My mornings and nights spent attached to the point it had become exhausting. I had forgotten who I was by being another. For someone like me, supposedly so sure of myself, that was destroying.
Taking time to be alone meant I started enjoying myself.
I realized my love for writing again, typing out feelings and research in one article or more. Taking photos without keeping others waiting. I even missed sitting down just to take in the scenery. I hadn't done that in so long.
4. You're a freaking BADASS.
Seriously. Going to a new place without anyone, feeling afraid but doing it anyway is bravery to me. At the moment of my first solo trip, I was having a meltdown and didn't think about the wild adventure I was about to go on.
I walked around Venice streets alone and heartbroken. Instead of sulking, I wrote about it instead. Badassery can be as small as picking up a pen and writing, or as big as traveling. It's all subjective.
I walked around Venice streets alone and heartbroken. Instead of sulking, I wrote about it instead. Badassery can be as small as picking up a pen and writing, or as big as traveling. It's all subjective.
Busan is a treasure hidden in South Korea, the second-largest city in South Korea. Bigger than Seoul but quiet in its character. The weather at 6 degrees greeting us with a cool breeze. I ran out in just a t-shirt, I missed this kind of air. Cold but welcoming.
We spent 4 days in Busan, exploring what it had to offer so here is our little Travel Guide to Busan!
DAY 0.5
- Chinatown, Texas Town, Russian Town
DAY 1
- Mayor’s Residence
- Hauendae Beach
- Haedong Yonggung Temple
DAY 2
- Gamcheon Culture Village
- Busan International Film Festival Square
- Jagalchi Fish Market
- Busan Traditional Arts Centre
- Shinsegae Centum City
DAY 3
- Busan Cooking Class
- Cafe 38.5
- Seomyeon Street
- Bay 101
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP
HAUENDAE BEACH
Haeundae Beach is Busan's most famous beach with its white sands reaching far that stretches 1.5km long. The shallow bay and city skyline reminds me of Singapore, if not bigger. We went when it was quiet, the sun and wind hitting our skin.
Our tour guide, Hailey told us it was better in the Summer, filled with locals ready to swim when the cultural events and festivals happen frequently. I didn't mind though. I think I just in awe how silky the sand felt between my fingertips.
Our tour guide, Hailey told us it was better in the Summer, filled with locals ready to swim when the cultural events and festivals happen frequently. I didn't mind though. I think I just in awe how silky the sand felt between my fingertips.
HAEDONG YONGGUNG TEMPLE
Described as 'The Most Beautiful Temple in Korea' and I agree.
'At least one of your wishes will be answered here through sincere prayers' is Haedong Yonggung Temple's motto - and maybe it rings true. I know prayer brings peace, and seeing people pray in this holy temple gives me hope.
The Buddhist temple is nestled along the shoreline, a rarity since most temples are up in the mountains. It's a far walk to its main temple, but every step taken shows you a view you've never expected. Even if you might get lost like I did.
'At least one of your wishes will be answered here through sincere prayers' is Haedong Yonggung Temple's motto - and maybe it rings true. I know prayer brings peace, and seeing people pray in this holy temple gives me hope.
The Buddhist temple is nestled along the shoreline, a rarity since most temples are up in the mountains. It's a far walk to its main temple, but every step taken shows you a view you've never expected. Even if you might get lost like I did.
GAMCHEON CULTURAL VILLAGE
I have never been to a place like the Gamcheon Cultural Village.
Known as the Santorini or the Machu Picchu of Korea, the houses are built in staircase-fashion on the foothills. Paintings and murals cover the village in vibrant colors to catch our eye. The government, village, and artists collaborated to renovate it in 2009 to become a tourist attraction.
They certainly succeeded.
BUSAN TRADITIONAL ARTS CENTRE
The Busan Traditional Arts Centre recently opened in April 2019. It's a base for local traditional arts, cultural exhibitions, and cultural properties. We met the artists of the trade like a shoemaker of Korean slippers and the Buddhist monk who specialized in calligraphy.
It was a short visit but showed us the importance of cultural tradition for Busan. I always admired classic art forms, only they could do so well.
CAFE 38.5
Photos by
Danial Aldani
When I say this is the coolest cafe ever, I say it is the coolest. Cafe 38.5 is located somewhere in Yeongdo-gu, four floors of floor to ceiling windows with a scenic view of the coastline. Let me just say it was absolutely magical.
We had gone when the weather was perfect at 16 degrees. On the fourth floor, we accessed the slanting rooftop and sat there as we ate the amazing pastries. The sky clear and seaport close by, it felt like I was in a K-Drama and my leading man was going to show up any minute.
He still hasn't.
The media trip was sponsored by
Busan Tourism Organisation
Busan Tourism Organisation
If you'd rather watch instead, I do have the trip in two videos! Even though it was three days, it felt like one loooooooong day filled with walking, food and good company. I'd love to go back again with my family next time.
Call it soul-searching or a spontaneous adventure.
It was more likely an outburst spurred by frustration.
It could've been any country, any city in fact. My mind wasn't working right, and I was so desperate to do something stupid. The night before, I looked at Oslo and Copenhagen. Anywhere cheap and pretty would have sufficed. Instead, I settled on a romantic round-trip for one to Venice.
A few days later, I took the train to Bristol Airport and sent a quick text to my parents as the plane took off. They weren't happy. Only when I landed in Italy did I realize, 'holy shit, I'm all alone.'
I had nothing to run away from except crippling stress and frustration, and the need to do something with my life - a void that has yet to be filled. Calling my trip a quick getaway or holiday would be more realistic, but my melodramatic self refuses that. I ran away from my problems and that was that.
What had caused me to go to Venice was an amalgamation of problems. Most of them due to my own senseless decisions. I made mistakes, I was wrong and I was alone. Loneliness when you thought you were loved aches. There was a kind of guilt. I was shamed, deserted and in my head, I deserved it.
You can only take so much at once.
I don't condone running away from your problems, but taking a break helps.
God knows we need it sometimes.
What was an impulsive opportunity became one of the best trips of my life. It was cathartic. Venice was beautiful as expected, and I left calmer than I had been for the last few weeks. I walked along the narrow streets, ate amazing Italian cuisine and learned how to take better self-portraits. Most of all, I learn that loneliness isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Sometimes, it can be a wonderful friend.
I don't regret solo traveling at all.
If possible, I recommend solo traveling to everyone. Learning to love your own company is forced upon in a new place. I'm definitely going to do it again, preferably with a better state of mind. Perhaps Paris or Malta once exams are finished.
Until then, I'll just keep dreaming of Venice.
Where are you off to next?
I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the Selfie Factory Pop-Up at Shoreditch last weekend. Armed with my trusty Canon 600D, EOSM10 and iPhone, I dragged my friend to come along as my last minute photographer.
We braved the cold London streets till we found the place, brightly lit in contrast to the faint street lights. As we entered, we were welcomed to a world of excitement all for that perfect selfie.
Different areas of the places were installations to create fun selfies you'll never find anywhere else. They encouraged us to play with the props from the donut wall to a giant teddy bear. Each 'room' was fit with a certain vibe, perfect for the aesthetic.
I spent way longer than I should in each room, at least 10 minutes, going back and forth to perfect the perfect pose. Playing around with camera settings and angles, and I wasn't alone. Plenty of people around me did the same. I was not the exception, I was the norm.
That being said, there are a few things I would have done differently, given the chance. So I have some tips when you do go!
TIPS FOR THE SELFIE FACTORY
- | Visit during the day. You'll get much better natural lighting than dim ceiling lights.
- | Bring spare clothes - wear something you can easily change out of, and slip into another. This way, you can vary your shots and looks in a session!
- | Equipment doesn't matter. Sometimes, all you need is your phone and a friend you trust (with a lot of patience)
- Play around with shots. Go online and find some cool poses for the installations.
The Selfie Factory is opened now until November 20th!
Have you ever been to The Selfie Factory?
Personally, my friend and I agreed it's a fantastic first date activity, Cute, romantic and plenty of selfies for days. You can find more information on their Facebook or Instagram.
I want to travel.
Of course I do, everyone wants to travel.
I am lucky enough to call Malaysia a second home, and study in United Kingdom for my young adult life. I visited Washington D.C and New York a few years before it was given to a mad man with small hands. I cried when I saw Disneyland fireworks in Tokyo, Japan.
I can call myself well-traveled yet I still want more. Since I will be abroad for the next few years, I've compiled a few European cities I want to visit. Perhaps as a promise to myself that one day, I will go.
Here are 5 European Cities to Visit!
"When in Rome, do as the romans do," I say as I whip out my sword and shield.
While I wanted to add Milan and Venice to this list, Rome holds a special place over them. Rome is full of rich history and culture in which I want to immerse myself. Walking through The Vatican Museum, visit the iconic Colosseum or wonder at the Pantheon. It would be an amazing trip.
2 . SANTORINI, GREECE
I feel like every blogger has to go to Santorini. As if it is a right of a passage.
Santorini may be one of the most beautiful cities ever, with its beautiful landscape and its even more beautiful architecture. Though I am not a sun or sea kind of girl, I would love to watch a sunset in Oia, have a swim at Vlychada Beach or hike by the Santorini Volcano. Also, aesthetically beautiful pictures, because obviously.
3 . PARIS, FRANCE
It is, after all, the City of Love. While I doubt I will actually visit the city with a lover, I am certain I will travel with a loved one. My father visited with his best friend, my mother traveled the city with her colleagues. I want to go with someone, anyone.
Watch the sky fall on top of the Eiffel Tower, eat ice-cream by the Arc de Triomphe, find skeletons in the Catacombs. Paris, I will go.
I wanted to visit Amsterdam in February, but London Fashion Week happened and drained me.
A few friends study there, and I intend to meet them, with the promise of visiting every museum. Their museums like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum holds the finest art pieces. Their canal cruises and cathedrals are also points of interest, on my hopefully-will-go-trip.
George Ezra's Budapest influenced me. I want to go to Budapest so badly.
When I think Budapest, I think of a modern-day royalty. A city of lights, paintings and goofy, poofy dresses. Perhaps it's the architecture; the castles and landmarks. To roam the Buda Castle or St. Stephen Basilica. It's a city with history, and beautiful to boot.
Photos courtesy of Pixabay
There are more cities I want to visit.
There is a list ever growing in my head. Each city I intend to tick off one day. For now, these are on the top of that list. Time to save my money and start traveling!
(We'll see...)
So where do you want to travel next?
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