N. IRELAND : Belfast City Tour – Day 6

Day 6: Travel Itinerary

Belfast City  (19th December 2018) 

City view from my hotel room 🙂

• Good morning from Belfast. This photo taken at 7.30am. I woke up pretty early cause I am a morning person (obviously!). Basically, I have no plans at all. So let’s stroll over Belfast!
• But first….

LAUNDRY DAY!!!!

• Of course, One of the basic thing that i must do is cleaning all my clothes. I don’t really into buying new stuff so I wanted to wash all my clothes especially those undies. Most urban cities will have this DYO Laundry service as low as £3 per wash. Located quite near to my hotel (5 mins walking distance). It’s called Spin City. If you have no time and wanted to shop around, you can leave your laundry and the money to the staff and they will help you out (heard that they fold your clothes too). But I have all my time this morning so I leave it there for a while and have some breakfast at the nearest Costa.

Breakfast .. breakfast

• I spent my time while waiting for my laundry here for about 30 mins and googling of what to do next (For Free). That morning is quite early tho.. so I decided today I shall visit Narnia Park (at God knows where), and just walk around. Temperature hits pretty low and I can never leave my yellow jacket at all.
• So my laundry is done (Also I put it inside a dryer and wait again for 30mins), I went back to my Hotel to get ready again. The hotel receptionist was like, ‘I can’t remember your name but I remember your Jacket pretty well’. She is the sweetest receptionist cause I was laughing the whole time here. My yellow Jacket is pretty much making a statement in Belfast.
• On my way to the CW Lewis Square, I pick the road to see Belfast City Hall on a day light. The building is magnificent even in the morning. I love the blue dome and sulfurish wall colour.  It looks so ancient and historic. and SOOO Clean, remeber they are having a christmas market last night!

Belfast City Hall

‘Taxi cab took you’

• I walk to The Albert Memorial Clock tower through Victoria Square shopping mall.

Victoria Square Shopping Mall. I am too early for a shopping spreee.

I have no idea what is this building but its so nice.

I love the colours

Albert Memorial Clock Tower

• FUN FACT FROM GOOGLE: The Albert Memorial Clock is a clock tower situated at Queen’s Square in Belfast. It was completed in 1869 and is one of the best known landmarks of Belfast. It is sometimes described as Belfast’s answer to Pisa’s leaning tower, its tilt caused by the fact it is constructed on reclaimed land from the River Farset and weighs over 2,000 tonnes. Erected between 1865 and 1869 in Gothic style to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, it was tall enough at 141ft (43m), to offer an excellent vantage point for at least one enterprising sightseer to get a birds-eye view of Titanic’s launch. As well as including a statue of Prince Albert also boasts a number of ornately carved crowned lions, angels, gargoyles and floral decorations. Its bell weighs 2 tonnes and can be heard from over 8 miles away.. During my visit, the clock play  nice Christmas music when its turns 11am. It’s so cool!!! I love city that pay attention to its detail and making it memorable for the visitors.
• Next, near this area is the Salmon of Knowledge, another Belfast attraction. Its located in front of the Titanic arena. You know, they shoot GOT Here!!!!

Salmon so cheap ! I could have you everyday!

• Fast forward 1 hour later (It’s the time taken for me to walk from this point to CS Lewis Square), omg walking is so tiring!!!! I do not know why I do this. But along the way I grab some choc cake and milk cause it’s super far and located in the neighbourhood area. Google map said 30mins but its an hour guys!

Opps, watch it guys

ASLAN!!!!

the white witch

The famous person and his imagination

• So, well, there is nothing much happening at this area but the whole town is dedicated to CS Lewis. You can see it through all architecture surrounding this square. Its a pleasant feeling to be around here.
• Anyways, I am thinking that I am way so lazy to walk. I op for bus and ask the local how to get into the bus. IT’S NOT A BUS GUYS, ITS A GLIDDER!!! check it here   . It was nice that you can buy the ticket at the machine at the stop! Plus, it cost me only £3.5 per day !! I haven’t took any picture awww too bad but here is the youtube for it! !!!

• Anyways, back at the city around 3pm, I know right!!! time fliessssss
• And the most awaited visit next is to Queen’s university of Belfast. OMG, I have tons of stories here. Back in 2006 WHERE I ALMOST ENROLLED HERE but let’s just not talk about the past. I am so happy that I could be here by myself and imagine life at this campus. I may have been a different person if I graduated from here. again, let’s just not talk about the past! The campus is AWESOME! lot’s of eateries behind the campus and of course it’s super beautiful and nice. But the entrance is undergoing a major construction works so.. anyways, here is a few snapshots here!

Queen’s University of Belfast

Hey  I’m almost an alumni here!

War Memorial

buildings!!!

The entrances

Botanic Garden!

College Park.

The admin building i think

The university Square

The Greenhouse

I ended up bought the sweater!!! and Students working at the visitor Centre talk about Brexit and Politics (Not empty talks at all)  OMG I am so belong at this place!

❤

• I also spent few hours at Ulster Museum where I could learn about Dinosaurs. Located really near the Botanic Garden. They have a special exhibition that day and I am soo excited. But I haven’t took many pictures because my battery nearly died and its cold so it’s not helping at all.

  

  THREE EYED RAVEN

  

• OK, ladies. I am super hungry! On my way back, I found this halal Chicken restaurant. I haven’t got any meat for a week and this is a total blast!!! The lace called Chickn lickn. 

finally! CHICKENNNNN

lol can i trust that??

• Basically, there is not so much going on this day. I just walk and wondered around until late at night.

BBC Building

Tesco and pure Northern Irish Eggs.

Xmas season all cakes and choc is like super cheap!

• and my nights, all with some decent shopping spree. Which there is no need to ehemm discuss ehemm here!

• I am leaving for London tomorrow at 3pm and I AM SO SAD!! I could never express my sadness here at all. Ireland leave a total Major Impact into my childhood and I am super happy that I’ve got a chance to visit!. I will definitely come back again soon! but London awaits me! and new adventure begins.  As for now, shopping and bubble bathing!

N. IRELAND TRIP 2018: Dublin – Belfast – Day 4

Day 4: Travel Itinerary

Dublin – Belfast (17th December 2018)

 

• Woke up early again because I ‘m not really good fighting jetlag. What I do know is, I am super full caused by yesterday’s dinner. I’m a bit tipsy too. Demit it was 6am in the morning.
• My last day in Dublin, I do not know why, I was so sad all of sudden. I was supposed to check out at 11am, but I asked the reception to check out late at 12pm and if I could store my bag at the counter. The best thing about Hostels is, everything is possible. So storage is settled and I’m heading out for a walk again.
• I decided to have a lovely breakfast at Queen of Tarts, the famous bakery in Dublin. Feeling a bit blue that morning, I ordered Avocado Toast and there is nothing to regret. Being extra fancy to my last Euros because at Belfast, there are using Pound. The food was delicioussss, and I am so wanted to take away the pastry but I have to keep reminding myself, I could not finish it. Demit.

Cute little gems

aaaaaa heaven

My 1cm Thick Avocado Toast

I’m gonna die!

• After breakfast I walked to Dublinia and Christ Church Cathederal for a photos. Its one of the two oldest churches in Dublin, and this place has great significance for the Gaelic and Anglo countries as a whole. I am to early that day so I don’t think it’s even open yet. But the surrounding is very very beautiful. There was lot of marking at the floor surrounding the castle. I love detailing I think if you follow me though, you will know how I’m crazy about detailing.

Look at the chair.. 

On the floor

Christ Church

The View

Gothic Church look like

• Few photos later, I continue my morning strolls heading to St Stephens Green. The park that located in the heart of Dublin. I’m heading there through the alley and the streets of Dublin between the shops, the bar and then Grafton Streets. Found myself another cup of Hot Chocolate when I arrived in front of the park’s entrance gate. It was 930am but already full with people.

• It’s impossible not to love this place. Full of beautiful trees and wild birds. Great for walking or simply relaxing at any part of the park. Nature has a place to flourish in its small hideaways. I can imagine when springs come. The flowers will fill up all your emotion and colours in this park. I thanked God for that beautiful morning. Beware of the seagulls because they’ll ask your food. Or they’ll just take your food. They took my sandwich anyway.

St Stephens Green Entrance

The park map

Lovely morning

Seagulls

Taking a break and coffee

Swans.

• My next destination is the National Museum of Ireland but unfortunately, It was open at 1pm on Monday. So I just heading towards Oscar Wilde house which now is a private university. There were statue of him, relaxing facing towards his house with thousands of quotes marks on the stone.

I can only took your picture 😦

Random building

National Gallery

Oscar Wilde House

Mr Wilde himself hanging around

uuu.. got your back.

• Since I have so much time left, I took my time exploring the Luas (tram) system in Dublin, bookstores and having lunch by the window. I am so please looking at people here walking that early Monday morning. Perhaps going to work and making life, While eating my salad.

Look Right! I’m always right

Intersection

The Spire Dublin

Buy your  Luas Ticket here

Luas Ticket machine

Touch Your Ticket here

General Post Office

Flowers Everywhere

Bookstores

CHOPPED!

Lunch by the window.

• Well, still need to grabbed few souvenirs to take back home. In Dublin, you will see Carrolls Souvenir Giftshop almost everywhere.   I have tried my best to find Christmas Market for a cheaper option but I failed. Carrolls is a bit pricey but thousands of option. Napkin, Spoon, Tea, Household stuff, sweater you name it girl! I spent a fortune here, unfortunately :D!
• At 2pm, I pick up my bag. Yes I was a bit off my schedule but they’re good with it.
• So, From Dublin, I took a train to Belfast from Connolly Station. I bought the ticket 90 days earlier from Irish Rail , and it cost me €19.90 for a selected seat. You can buy the cheaper one or the VIP Seats. I am good with my seats.
• Once you have the reservation number, you need to print your own ticket at the ticket machine. Mind you, that you can only do this ONCE. No repeating so enter your reservation number correctly and read thoroughly. The ticket is printed and now you just have to wait for the gate to open. My train is at 3.40pm and depart ON TIME.

Walk up to Conolly Train Station

Print your tickets before you enter.

My ticket

just because I’m THAT Special

• It took 2.5hours to Belfast and you will be going through the countryside of Ireland. I saw Dundalk and Newry . The view from the window is magnificent and breathtaking. Half of the way is already a night time.

The Menu

The view-at night

• I arrived at Belfast Station at 5.30pm. Belfast train station is a bit smaller compared to Connolly Station and waste no time here. It’s already a night time and I have to walk to my hotel. Of course you can op for taxi but let’s talk about saving money here hahaha.
• And definitely my worst decision ever to walk to my hotel. That night was super super super super cold.. I forgot that Belfast located at the Northern part of Ireland, of course it colder.Plus, I was lost because I took the wrong turns! OMG I was crying while walking because it’s too cold and my bag was too heavy and I’m carrying it all alone. I have never felt so alone but that night, really is something. I can’t believe that I can be so sad and sensitive!

Hotel bed! super comfy. I just need a partner hahahahhahhaa

• Finally I arrived Premier Inn like an hour later feeling very wet but the receptionist was the nicest lady ever and greeted me with a very warm welcome and all of sudden I felt good and calm. I booked online few month before through the website and my room is ready. There is nothing to complaint about Premier Inn. I’ve got a room facing Belfast city and I was really happy. I went down for some coffee and take my time to rest because the weather is too cold for me to handle. I can’t wait to share you The Games of Thrones Tour, which is on the next day!

 

Wolf

Hello.

I am not being able to write much cause I’ve been cooping with extra workload for the past few month. Working Life is taking my head and spirit. But after all, Alhamdulillah to all the rezeki of having something to work on cause I realized how fortunate I am compared to thousand of human beings out there who may still be looking for a perfect job. I wish you all well and inshaAllah all went well.

I was having some difficulties dealing with my own self and thoughts since early of this year. and I want to share something about loneliness and depression. Which not so many people know or even realizing how bad I am cooping with this since 2016. Yes, 2016 probably the worst year for me. Dealing with confusion, heartache and also the emptiness. Often, friends viewed me as  a person who full of wisdom. But little that they know how I was torn inside and keep thinking about death. Yes, I’m talking about some mental issues that I’ve been facing since early 2016.

Although having someone dearly to you couldn’t save you from being lonely. Unknowingly feel sad is something that you cannot understand. You have no idea where is the source. You just get sad and lonely. So, I get it when people who couldn’t coop with loneliness trying to fill themselves with other human being. Some of them choose to get married quickly, some of them choose to have kids right after marriage, some of them may just changing partners frequently. I have nothing against any of their decision of life nor to be judgemental of it. Some people have their own way to complete themselves. I was trying too. But later I realize, having a dearly partner will not necessarily complete you. Human being is just another human being.

There is one quotes i found during in a book saying that, “Kalau mengharap pada manusia akan sentiasa kecewa” (Or in english, Relying to human being will always disappoint you ) and Prof Muhaya in her talks keep saying that, “yang pegang hati manusia hanyalah Tuhan”. I think deeply of this two powerful statement because experiencing one is one thing, and realizing the later need some practice. Over the years, I met tons of wonderful people, that add value to my life. I grew my feelings on each of them. and because I am so bad with words so I show appreciation towards my action. Somehow, its tragic when some of them start to views my kindness differently.  But its ok. I am ok, my focus is to just be nice and kind.

But, somehow it get really lonely when the dark thoughts strike you. It come across without giving any signals. Some times at night, I couldn’t fight back. All my sleeps is disturbed by a circulating mind. I drown into a sleeping pill just to get a deep good sleep. little that people know, even someone very dearly cannot keep me calm during those night. I keep pushing them away, hoping that I could control my self. but I lost, my strength is very limited. most of the time I lost. I even imagine of my death during driving, or even typing something in the office. It’s unexplained.

Yes, I do get some help. I went to therapist, counselling class.  But it was remembering Allah helps me a lot. Because you just have to put all your thoughts and emptiness in the Creators hand’s. You threw all the sadness in a prayers. Somehow, it took me an hour to just sit still after prayers, unconscious of what i want but hoping and praying to Him all the time.  It takes a while for me to recover or getting back on track. The consistency of asking God is a continuous effort. Asking His help is the only way to see the light. yeah, human beings know this but little that actually practising. Its only when you practices and experienced the beauty, then you see. Cooping with loneliness isn’t easy. If you find your way, be thankful about it cause million of people out there rather to choose suicide that dealing with those feelings.  I know, and I understand.  I choose to understand.

Yang pegang hati manusia hanyalah Allah. 

Only if you believe this, and you do this in a proper way, you will see the lights. Every sadness, loneliness and emptiness, I will only talk to The Almighty. He is the one who can help.

He surely help when I found peace in paintings. I am still figuring things out, changing certain way of thinking, still cooping and comprehending with this, cause it takes years to be completely free from unknowingly sadness. The good thing is I don’t rely on sleeping pills to sleep anymore (at least not so frequent). I don’t rely on my friends to keep me company all the time. I try to do things on my own and be actually ok with it. i read some important books just to keep my spirit high. I will continuously appreciate people even they are not worth it. As long I know where my self worth stands, I know Allah will always be there for me.

Unfollow

I really want to understand and put myself into those friends obsession towards their first born. Yeah, having no kids is stressful for those who are waiting and wishing (To have one), however , I wish they would just be  little bit sensitive towards these people who have yet to become a parent.

Being a first time parents make up a little bit more selfish. And we need to admit it. Although a simple things (that we think) is just a usual basis, could lead us to this arrogant and putting self interest a little bit much than we thought.

We, as a human being ALWAYS think, life revolved only for us and ourself. Honestly, Social media is not an helping tool. Its more towards self-destructed. I started to realise how negative social media makes me few years ago which lead to my decision to delete my Twitter. I do deactivated my Facebook for almost a year in 2015 because I cannot handle it at all. I’m clearing my mind and soul and try to see things beyond social media. Even now, I really tried my best to control each of my post so that it doesn’t sound too arrogant, or misleading information.. I promised my self not to share much on my personal life. Hopefully God protect me on this.

People sharing stuff without even think twice. It really gives a negative vibes to my everyday’s life.

However, I have no problem with friends who uploaded their kids journey once in while. Many of my bff does that in a while and I think it’s super cute. They know their limits. (Kudos to my BFF).  But those friends who uploaded every time and second, seriously need to evaluate themselves. People get annoying and you need to accept it. Ironically, when I try to speak up, these friends often being so dramatic & defensive. I just realise then, the easy way for me to handle is to just click ‘unfollow’ button or remove them from my life.. I have absolutely no problem if they do the same to me.

Do not keep things which not gives benefits to you.

As we grow old, a healthy mind is VERY important. In my defence, I apologies to all my friends if  this post hurt their feeling. Please note that I have tried my best to put myself into your shoes, I hope you do the same thing too.

complaining

I have plenty of things to complaint about people. especially those from my workplace. But then every time i wanted to think bad about them, i started to realise that I am obviously not perfect at all to even start complaining. Yes, workplace giving huge negative vibes to me lately. I don’t find fun at the environment but I do know that they are also didn’t find me fun at all. But it’s ok.. Cause your uniqueness and values, its precious  hence let those who knows, embrace it. Who doesn’t does not matter.

I was just wanted to do my work, in silence and let the succeeds speak on its own.

Less people, less problem. 🙂

Statement

Ironically in this world, people who respond to some statement in a negative way, is always those whom with low knowledge or IQ. Despite being irritated with them, I decided to just laughing out loud in my heart on how stupid they are, with no face expression..

 

Soalan.

I always wonder, sampai bila kita nak cabar mencabar each other ek?

:)

It is always true that when your heart is attach to the dunia, you felt rather unhappy or having a heavy heart. I think I began to understand life when I am completely letting go of everything that brings me to negativity. Negative people, negative thoughts, negative environment. Leaving all those negative people are my biggest accomplishment so far.

Less people, less problem.

It is true. So when I started to read some motivational books like ‘The monk who sold His Ferrari’, ‘The Art of Thinking’ etc, i began to understand that life is not that complex and complicated. You just have to be rational. Right now, I am began to be selfish for my own sake. I never want to tolerate with Bad people, unhappy thoughts, dealing with past as it is just some shit that you won’t be dealing with anymore.

I never felt happier when I put ME in every situation. I am very happy that I let GOD in most of my time, and I don’t think much of others. What God think matter the most. I couldn’t care less now as I will be rational to them and it is up to them to accept the fact. I never question their behaviour or what as it would be the last thing to think off.  But i do accept criticism and take is as self development and growing. Keeping my circle small is healthy and encouraging as I will never deal with bullshit and drama anymore.

now that having somebody to rely on, are the best of all.

Journey.

I am now at the point where I began to worry whether to take Phd or to gamble with life for a year.

I just finish my Masters and I still can’t see the light of my career.

Futre

Decision.
How very difficult to make a decision. I was too over confident over something. And sometimes too loud about making a point. I still can’t smell my future. I have a dream that is impossible to achieve. I was very demanding over the thing i choose for. Right now, when everything feel ok is not completely ok. And still I have to make choices.

But one thing that is true is, the more you feel comfortable and finding yourself, the more you loose people.