Singapore | That country that's killin it

Summer. A season I long for every start of the term. A period of time where I eagerly anticipate.

After not being back home for almost 2 years, it was time to head back home. Finals was over, the process of packing commenced and soon it was time to head back home. But before that, I made a cheeky stop to Dubai because why not. More about Dubai in my previous post here .

Long story short, I spent about 3 weeks back home before heading off to the tiny island, a dot on the world map but an incredible country known as Singapore.

So there I was, in Singapore. It felt familiar, like home, but it wasn't. This time I wasn't a traveller, I was not there for just a few days. This time, I was an Intern. Living, breathing, and adapting to the hustle and bustle of this economy powerhouse.

Not going to bore you with the in depth details of my time in Singapore because, there wasn't much that went on. But here are some of the highlights of my 2 months there.

Joined the Singapore Ultimate Open (SUO) 2016. Twas a random decision to join a team with a bunch of random international people who throughout the weekend displayed why ultimate frisbee is such an incredible sport that unites everyone.

Probably the best part of the tourney was playing against former team mates from the UK! and also an AUDL player. YAAAAS

Saturdays were one of the days that I looked forward to the most. Beach pickup in Sentosa. 3 things I love the most all in one. Beach. Sea. Frisbee. My life is complete. Big shout out to the pickup people who graciously allowed me to be a part of their training's, games and hangouts <3

Where should one go to be immersed in nature? MacRitchie Reservoir pretty much checks the box in most areas in terms of scenery, trails and wildlife bearing in mind that this place is (man made). A lovely refreshing getaway from the city with my friend Nicole.



Something work related! Had the chance to visit a site where one of the many MRT tunneling work was in being carried out. 30m below ground, standing in the midst of giant machinery. Such a humbling and incredible experience.

Singapore's National Day fireworks display was pretty awesome, albeit rather short. 

One of the place I frequent to chill at night. Good vibes. Good food and Good company.

Singapore Night Festival. Live music, hipster food and drinks all night.

I love the creative aspect of art. But when I had to wait 2 and half hours in a queue to enter a 6 by 6 ft room to see a couple of dangling lights and mirrors. I found myself questioning the mere existence of life. But here it is, the Shower thoughts. It was, pretty cool.

This out of the world Gardens by the bay. Felt like I was transported into a different realm. 

Pretty much sums up what I did in Singapore. Not to mention the people I've met along the way. Friends that I've reconnected with and also family members that I had the chance to meet up with. I feel immensely blessed beyond words with the kindness I've been shown and the opportunities that I was given. To the people that made my stay in Singapore an unforgettable one. Much love!

   

  

                            

To seek is to not be content with where one is,

To seek is to dream that there is more. 

-Travis Rice

A trip down memory lane | Mount Kinabalu Park, Borneo

It's been a while, I'm finally home ( weird because technically I'm writing this in Singapore but you get the point. I'm narrating. Moving on..)

The days went by and I practically just shut myself at home. Literally left the house only to run errands and a lil bit of work outs. But basically just relishing being back home.

This trip to Mt Kinabalu Park was a great getaway, I was able to witness the majestic sight of the mountain post earthquake as well as just spending some quality time with the parents. Without further ado, here's some of the pictures I got whilst up there in the midst of nature and it's beauty.

My dad brought us to this trail that apparently was the trail he used to bring my siblings and I to when we were kids. This is the stream that flows along a bridge at the main entrance to the trail. 

Everything just looks, so

Green. 

Oh, dad found this ant or termite trail and I thought it was pretty gross! Ha, I hate little crawly things. 

Dad was fascinated with the roots that provided natural steps for the trail

Green. Again.

Introducing my beautiful Omma! 

My witty Abba!

( Randomly picks up branches and asks ' Do I look like a deer?' )

No trip can be complete without a SELFIE

And, finally. Mount Kinabalu.

Scars from the recent earthquake that sent landslides, boulders and loose rocks crashing down the mountain side destroying anything in its path as well as taking some precious lives. Till this day I can't imagine such heartbreaking event to have ever occurred so close to home. 

As a child I've always looked up and saw The mountain sitting so majestically swathed with trails of pearly white clouds, the pride of our land. Now, as we look upon her scars it'll bring a new sense of emotions, different for each individual and as for me, it'll be a heartfelt respect for nature and what has came from it. To know that we don't own nature but we're just mere beings that gained a temporary gift to dwell in this earth we can call Home.

Mount Kinabalu will forever be sat on her throne, looking upon the city of Kota Kinabalu. And we can always look up from wherever we are and remember,

 Tinggi-tinggi Gunung Kinabalu, Tinggi lagi sayang sama Kamu. 

Summer Vibes | Dubai, UAE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

First of all, this city is out of this world. Secondly, the heat literally melts your skin off. 

Dubai has always been a transit route whenever I fly home from the UK. This time instead of a short transit, with the approval of the rents I decided to make a 3 days trip to Dubai and experience first hand what an incredible modern developing city it was.

As an aspiring Civil and Structural Engineer my eyes definitely lit up as we passed by looming skyscrapers spilling out of every corner and street. 

I was accompanied by my friend @nakedhamburger. After completing our final exams and several frantic packing sessions the day finally came where we made our way from Leeds to Manchester  Airport and after a 7 hour flight with Emirates we arrived at the Dubai International Airport. 

We first checked in to our new hotel Rove Downtown located conveniently next to the Dubai Mall and with an incredible view of the Burj Khalifa. With an extra cost we had a room with a view that literally makes my heart skip a beat every time I look out the window. The hotel being new was clean and had a great ambience that leaves you feeling at home the moment you walk into the main lobby and lounge area. 

Some features of the hotel includes a 24hr convenience store, a restaurant, pool, gym, laundry and luggage storage spaces.  

This hotel has some of the best interior designs and decorations I've ever seen.

A spacious laptop work friendly zone and Starbucks conveniently in the lounge area.

The pool area is spacious and offers an incredible view of the Burj. It's also a great way to cool off from the summer heat. 

As mentioned Dubai Mall is just a short walk from the hotel. We spent the evening walking around the Dubai Mall and watch the Musical Fountain show (largest in the World) 

I booked a tour package with Fun Tours Dubai that includes a dinner night cruise at the Deira Creek, City Tour and 4x4 Desert Safari. An amazing deal for the price of less than 60£!

The Desert Safari was definitely an amazing experience and the highlight of the trip. Our guide/ driver has over 20 years of experience and I definitely felt safe and very impressed with his driving skills as he navigated up and down the sand dunes with ease. The safari ended with a beautiful sunset , camel ride, performance and BBQ dinner.

On our final day in Dubai, we travelled to an area known as the Jumeirah where one of the Worlds most expensive hotel Burj Al Arab is located. Its amazing structure was designed to mimic the shape of a sail. 

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Souk Madinat Jumeirah a bazaar type re-creation of the ancient marketplaces with traditional Middle Eastern inspired architecture. Inside this market was little stall and shops selling arts, crafts and local souvenirs. There are some restaurants and bars around as well. 

It was definitely an unforgettable experience and opportunity to visit this incredible human boundary defying city. It's a place rich in culture, diversity and creativity.
I'd definitely recommend Dubai as one of the must see cities at least once in your lifetime.

Links to check out for further information:

Hotel:

Rove Downtown Dubai

Tour Company:

Fun Tours Dubai 

Features countless tour package; almost consistent instant replies by email and quality tour guides who speak good English.

Dubai Mall:

Fountain Show 

Afternoon Shows  

Daily except Friday: 1:00pm & 1:30pm  

Friday: 1:30pm & 2:00pm 

Evening Shows 

Daily: 6:00pm to 11:00pm 

(Every 30 Minutes) 

Market Place:

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

General Information:

Visit Dubai

Check out my Dubai Video Log:

Summer Vibes | Dubai, UAE

Spring Break Vibes

Travelling- one would dream of visiting the most beautiful, historically rich and diverse countries. To be able to say, I've been there! I've seen that!
But with every travel plans comes extensive amount of research, planning, more research and finally emptying the bank for an unforgettable trip.

So here's the tale of two sisters in 4 cities

It all began in Salzburg, Austria

A quaint little town just by the border of Germany. Known as the birthplace of Mozart and 'The Sound of Music' it is a picturesque sight to take in. With the amalgamation of ancient medieval and modern architecture.
We stayed at the Yoho International youth hostel. Located within walking distance from the train station and city centre.

Taking a stroll through the city crossing from the old city to the new; the weather was perfect giving off a very chilled atmosphere.

Next stop Munich, Deutschland

We took a train from Salzburg to Munich central station and spent an afternoon wondering about before heading off to our next destination Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy The Magical City

A mixture of quaint alley ways and beaten down buildings on the verge of collapse. This contrast itself tells a story of the rich culture and the livelihood people used to have as well as the change it is experiencing.
It was a unique experience to stroll down the nooks and crannies of the city and end up in a completely different corner whilst listening to the echoes of children laughing and playing in the school yards nearby.

We stayed outside of the main city of Venice in a town called Mestre just by the train and bus station for a cheaper option and commuted by bus to Venice.

I think visiting such a beautiful and often spoken of country like Venice brings about many high expectations of what to expect out of the city. Looking back at the pictures I've only come to grasp the fact that I've been to Venice, walked it's streets and ate it's food as well as experience a short but memorable adventure there.

The final stop of our travels brought us to Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona was one city which I immediately fell in love with. Not only because the sunshine city had the perfect weather; it was filled with beautiful people, great food and the ease of access to most attraction sites; and as a beach lover it was a welcome sight being able to feel the sand beneath my feet and hear the crashing of waves as it approached the shorelines.
Our accommodation Soul Backpackers Barcelona was located close to the train station and in the centre and walking distance from most tourist attractions.

   

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

Here's a link to my travel video:

Leeds Vibes | Jeremy Loops Gig |

This is such a late post, there's not much excuses. With the busy-ness of Uni work, exams and procrastination I finally am able to sit down and just rummage through my brain thinking back to this beautiful night in Leeds where I was able to enjoy one of my favourite artist perform!

Introducing Jeremy Hewitt or most commonly know for his stage name and every other social media platform as 'Jeremy Loops'. A South African singer and songwriter, I first came across while watching Ben Browns vlog (YouTuber). I checked out his music and fell in love with his modern upbeats and rhythmic folk inspired songs. One of the unique aspect that caught my attention was the fact that he mixes up his music with various forms of instruments including guitars, harmonicas, beat boxing among many others by looping thus 'Loops'.

Image not own by me.

To cut the long story short, the moment I knew he was coming to Leeds, I knew I had to go. And the day finally came, 14th of January, right after my horrible 3 hour exam, it was a great opportunity to just momentarily forget about how I screwed up the exam and just enjoy a night of good vibes and music.

The night started off with the opening and performance of several songs by Hannah Trigwell, an English singer and songwriter from Leeds. Her heartfelt music left the wooden floored dim hall with a chilled ambience.

Finally it was time for the main act. The lights went off, the spot light illuminates the stage as Jeremy Loops enters the scene busting out rhythms and beats on his harmonica. The crowd cheers on as his charismatic presence fills the stage. 

Throughout the night, he and the band sang crowd favourites from his Trading Change Album including the famous Down South, Mission to The Sun, Sinner, Only The Good Die Young among many others. 

It was a beautiful night, the crowd sang along, cheered and participated when given the chance. To be able to witness one of your favourite artist perform is truly an experience that I will never forget.
After his performance ended, leaving everyone hungry for more, we were told that the bar might be kicking us out as it was getting late into the night; slowly the once sold out filled hall was empty with only a few fans remaining. Which included me, I stuck around and met Jeremy Loops! He was nice, calm and a down to earth person who took his time to chat with the remainder of us. Bless him!

It was such a memorable night; and I've got tickets to his next show in August where this time he'll be performing at Stylus in the University of Leeds! This is not to be missed!

For more information on tour dates and what not:

Check out Jeremy Loops at

Jeremy Loops Website
Soundcloud
Facebook
YouTube