2022

In less than 2 hours before 2022, who would ever thought that I’d be writing again, after a long hiatus, here in a small room in Oxford. I would still pinch myself over this new reality. Last year is not that fun as I was in middle of recovering myself from a heartbreak. I would say a major one. Well, lots of thing happening in the middle and in between those experiences.

at first, I really thought i’m gonna get married this year, at least before flying to UK. But, there is always lesson learnt about people, relationship, guys and expectation. Breaking a girl heart should never be in your dictionary, especially if you promise a hand of marriage. I never really forgive a person like that, although I didn’t let the hatred grew on me. karma might not hit you directly, but remember that you have sisters or even daughter in the future. It’ll haunt you for the rest of your life so I’ll rest my case.

It was hard on my first 2 months in oxford, not because of settling down or being comfortable, but mostly because of the weather. I have few health issues coming along and it’s not fun. but slowly trying to be cool about the whole thing. Covid restrict every single movement here. I can not really go out and release myself without feeling worry then by the end of the year, I was tested positive.

but the best thing is, I’ve met tons of interesting people. Oxford Phd Students Group such just an eye opening. it directs me towards a new perspective and amazing talent plus friendship. Brookes Students all super talented and nice and caring and loving, and I love to be around them and feel young again. It is so nice to be in your twenties. where there is not much bills to pays or responsibilities to hold.

I’m gonna do my best here as long as I can and create as much memories as I can with as many people as I can. I know that in December 2022, I’ll be busy for my transfer and perhaps time is really not my forte back then, but I will try my best to share everything in this blog again.

#FromSerembanToOxford

Still a long way to reach the top.

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!

IRELAND TRIP 2018: Moher Cliff – Day 3

Day 3: Travel Itinerary

Dublin City (16th December 2018)

• The main reason I visit Ireland is for the Cliffs of Moher. I need to see this myself before anything (Thanks to Westlife and my dad).
• If you are travelling solo, I reckon you to book a one day tour from Dublin because it’s much easy, cheap and convenience.  I choose Paddywagon tour as recommended by my friend. One of her main reason is, the bus is easy to find if you ever get lost HAHAHAHAH (thanks to the striking green colour :D).
• But, do rent a car if you are travelling with bunch of friends cause trust me, it will be much worth it and the cost might probably just around the tour cost per person. I will tell you why later.
• The tour cost me  €40 ( €41.16 after tax), which I booked  months before my departures. Just to note that, there are also certain peak season (esp in summer). December in the other hand is a challenging season for this tour because the weather is unpredictable. 
• Upon booking, you will be asked to choose your pickup point. It can be either Paddy Palace (7.30am), O’Connell Street (7.50am) or Molly Malone Statue (8am). This depend on your hotel location. Like myself, Times Hostels are near to Molly Malone Statue. (Tips: The earlier you wait, the best seat you can get in the bus).
• Make sure you prepare the best and comfortable shoes, and bring your own lunch.  This tour involved lotsa walking up and down the hill. Outfit? I would rather be fancy if its not winter (The wind is crazy). and although they will stop for some quick bites, I still recommend you too bring your own packed lunch just in case you might disagree with the price.
• Free Wifi on the bus so, forget about everything and just upload your photo on the spot!
• I woke up as early as 6am, just to be sure I wont miss the bus. Since I am not very sure how reliable the timing here (No joke if you’re at Japan btw). The cold weather kept my Subway sandwich good.
• Took me only 6 mins walk to Molly Malone Statue. I saw few coffee shop is already opened as early as 7am. and yes, here there is few others tours meeting spot too. But don’t be afraid, you’ll know which is the Paddywagon.

Molly Malone Statue at Suffolk Street

• I feel bad for Madam Molly cause everyone is touching her breast. I mean, she is just a statue at a public space, why being so pervert? You can see clearly that her breast have this extra shining compare to other part of the statue. Shows how low minded certain visitors are and how low women in the society.
• Anyways, around 8.10am, the tour guide started to call us up with ‘Paddywagon Tour-Paddywagon Tour Moher Cliff Follow me’. He sounds so loud that it is impossible to escape. So the rest of the group followed the tour guide to this 1 location where the bus is. They will call your name before you can proceed into the bus.
• Paddywagon bus is very cute. my lucky day, I’ve got to sit at the second row. Seat is spacious and wide and The bus are not full so I’ve got the whole 2 seating on my own.
• The bus started its journey at 830 am towards the Western part of Ireland. The tour guide explaining our journey and how crucial to stick at the time. After some short a while, we took 20 minutes mid-morning  coffee stop in the midlands of Ireland. Oh how I which I knew the location.

Warm your back side 😀

• our first stop is Kinvara.  Its a colourful village and famous as an ancient fishing village. There are also surrounded with  beautiful landscape and fishing harbour. May as well see how beautiful  Dunguaire Castle location in the middle of the lake.

Visitor Information of Kinvara

The colourful building

 

Dunguaire Castle from the fishing harbour.

• The journey continues along the The Wild Atlantic Coast where I enjoyed the coastal drive along the shores of Galway Bay. The view along this coast is just amazing and I couldn’t snap any photos as the bus is moving. You just have to witness it all by yourself.
• The journey continues  through the Burren! According to the website, it is famous for its Limestone Rock, as far as the eye can see, and reaching down to the sea shore. The bus stop here and of course, we’ve got a chance to see the mini cliff. The Atlantic coast is pretty much amazing!

See the sky, the rain is coming!

Mini Cliffs they said.

The change of colours of the sky!

• 10 Minutes stop is not enough to enjoy the scenery. I was very much overwhelmed by the fact that I’m here. The place that I really wanted to go since I was 10! But we are heading to Doolin and tell you what, its about to rain and I pray really hard that it wont. We will take a stop in Doolin, and they took us to  to enjoy lunch at the restaurant (Own cost). There are plenty of selection too such as Mushroom Soup, Fish and Chips and many more. Price-wise is around €7-15. But I’ve got my subway, enough to keep me full. I ate my sandwich outside of the restaurant and took a stroll at the neighbourhood. Its Sunday so none of the shop is open here.

Fitzpatrick Bar.

The cross junction to Moher Cliff

The view of Doolin

• So right after lunch, we continue our journey to The Cliffs of Moher . The road to the hilly top is pretty much zig-zagging, small roads and very steep. I was sitting at the front and it doesn’t failed me to scream a little. There is one point that I was a bit scared that the bus will gonna flip over the cliff or something. and Thank God, I eat the motion sickness tablet wayyy before walking to Molly Statue. We arrive at the world famous Cliffs of Moher around 1.1 hours later.
• We were given around 90 minutes to enjoy the cliffs. Its nearly 3pm and honestly, it rains. The rain+the wind. my shawl is everywhere and all over the place! Ok enough talking, let the picture do the justice.

Feeling blue?

The stone arch

The statue at the entrance .. aaa the backlight!

Its raining over the other side

Looking down baby!

Oh, hey it’s me.

Brian O tower

Looking over the Brian Tower

• Now you can sing Westlife, My Love near the cliff. ❤
• Look, I have a few tips for anyone who wanted to visit this cliff.

1. It’s worth the visit no matter what other people may have said. Yes, I can be full with people and limited view for a photo but not everything need to be justified by a photo. as for my self, standing at the cliff has already make myself feeling overwhelmed with God’s creation.
2. If you go with car, there are few fees to include. of course the entrance fee. I am not very sure how much and how but please google more.
3. I would suggest you to make sure that you arrive at the cliff in the morning. Because the sun shines directly to the cliff and your photo will be absolutely amazing. I arrived in the evening, so the sun setting behind the cliff. so backlighting is a problem unless  you have amazing camera.
4. When you at the middle towards the cliff, common question is where do I start? To the left (Cliff) or to the right (O’brien’s Tower).My advice, start on your left. because trust me, you will not regret every single step you’ve taken to see the cliff as near as possible. Mind you, be extremely careful because it was true that, lots of people die here because they are too near to the cliff. The wind is unpredictable bcz they can blow you up from your back, or at your front. and I am talking about  40km/h wind blows. This is not a joke.
5. After you’ve done with the left side, straight ahead to O’brien’s tower. There is a fee to climb up the tower. I skipped this, because the view nearby is mesmerizing enough. Take your time to enjoy every birds singing around the area, sheeps and pony. Seriously, TAKE YOUR TIME. don’t rush because, I cannot describe how wonderful this place are.
6. During my visit, it was raining for a little, then its stop. Moher does have a roller coaster feelings too. So make sure you wear something comfortable.

• 90minutes here is more than enough But if you have more time, you can explore by walking along the cliff.. but I spent few minutes bought some souvenirs at the Visitors Centre. They sell coffee too just in case.

 

• Our last pit stop after Moher is at the village of Bunratty, and taking photos of Bunratty Castle, famed for its medieval banquets. You can also get some snack or here and relax and enjoy the small city.

The river is so clean!

Way finding

The castle

The pit stop. amazing selection of food here.

Irish tea or coffee? difficult choice.

• We head our way back to Dublin around 5/6pm and arrived around 7pm. and I’m pretty sure we drive through Limerick but I’m sure I was lost in the bus.  I’ve got lost in time too. I couldn’t remember. What I remember is that the tour itself is very informative, fun and the tour guide is funny. The whole journey is easy and not difficult. Everyone is punctual and friendly. I have nothing against this trip. and kudos to Paddywagon Tour! I enjoy every moment with you.
• Back in Dublin, I wanted to treat myself something good that night. I was googling the Best and Famous Restaurant in Dublin to treat myself for my birthday like, few months before. I found this restaurant in front of the St. Stephen’s Green called Peploe’s. I decided to spent a bit of fortune here. and I couldn’t even remember the name of my food but I am so sure it’s a Hallibut. Their menu is changing every month so..
• Well, its the local restaurant. with few selection of amazing food and in my case, fish :D. This is the happiest day of my life. 
• Since the weather is still good, great and I’m a bit full, let’s take a walk at Grafton Street, Dublin’s High End Shopping Street. The Christmas mood comes kickin me already. It was lovely at every scene, people playing music, Choir, Irish instrumental music at every corner. The feeling is extremely wonderful. I walked and stopped at every corner just to feel the vibes and thinking, how wonderful if I’ve got a chance to stay here. One day perhaps.

Grafton Streets at Night and last week of Christmas Shopping

My dream has come true. Thank Allah for every opportunity given to me. It has been a very long road, hard road and difficult road to get what I want but it always come at the right time. Over the years, I begin to understand that, maybe it’s good that it doesn’t happened earlier bcz I may have been extremely cocky  or ungrateful. It felt so right this time. and here I am, 30th Birthday, Happy and being thankful.

“What is meant for me, always arrives right on time”

 

Datang :)

Sudah pun bernyanyi sepi.

aku bisa rasa girang.

aku sedang mematikan hati.

lalu kau datang.

 

(Puisi: Fynn Jamal)

Favourite

I fall in love with the power of photography.and extension tube. 🙂

kepada pengguna SLR

kenapa beli SLR?

• Nak bergaya?
• trend semasa, takda SLR tak cool laa..
• sebab almost everyone ada SLR?
• Aku mencintai photography dan bercita cita utk jadi seperti …. ?

To be honest, sekarang having SLR bukanlah benda yang wow lebih2 mcm aku , setakat D3000 je. But then bile aku pinjam godeh kamera bebudak [bebudak ok, means bukan sama level umur aku], aku tengok, setting Auto gak. Aku tak gelak, mb setting gitu senang nak amek, cepat dan tak buang masa,especially amek time wedding, semua org pantas je nak berlari lari. Then aku wajib akan tanya mereka, Kenapa beli SLR? rata rata jawapan, “entah, saje je”.. then aku macam “-.-!!!!!!!!!!” .Itu jawapan yang takley diterima akal! rasa nak marah pun ada tp anak org plak. Wah, ko ckp beli benda harga RM2000 tu entah je? Where’s ur sensitivity about money? 2 ribu boleh makan chillies hari hari for three weeks tau [kalau order montery chicken]. aih budak budak sekarang mmg tak sensitive duit.

Btw, aku pun start beginner gak.Masih beginner lagi. tak terrer mana pun, tapi setakat ni tak penah plak aku amek gambar AUTO memanjang, kecuali malam [sbb Lense kit mmg limit nk amek gmbar]. ake selalu refer sini . Website yang sgt berguna utk pengguna SLR macam aku yg mmg tak power mana ni. and tak susah pun nak baca n fahamkan. It just with a little effort. bley google byk ag. Kesian mak bapak bagi duit beli kamera mahal, tapi sia-sia. lagi satu boleh tgk tgk blog photographer or fb diorg. Macam kawan kawan aku kat bawah ni, diorg tak kedekut ilmu pun… Org tamak je kedekut ilmu.kan?

Faculty Dinner

Aizul Marcello merupakan seorg photographer,  pengguna Canon 5d mark II  which is kualiti kamera yang superb cantik. sama cantik ngn owner die. 🙂 .die ajar aku sikit sikit pasal photoscape and Adobe CS3. Thankiu.

Potrait Picture of Baidura Salim

Nur Baidura, juga pengguna EOS 50D kot [plz correct me if I’m wrong]. Aku selalu pening pakai kamera die.

Picture of Cik Nad

Nadiah Ismail, Pengguna D5000. Die yang byk ajar aku pakai kamera besar ni. haha

Mynn Bachok. Earth Hour .

Mynn Bachok- Nikon D90. Selalu suke bwk aku join g shooting sekali. pastu aku selalu pinjam lense die. Best woo!!

p/s : Actually ada lagi rakan rakan pengguna SLR [yg dijamin tak gune AUTO masa amek gamabr ] tp aku xjumpe plak gambar diorg.

p/s/s : diatas ni gambar kawan diambil dari FB mereka. dan mereka mmg superb la bab bab amek gambar/framing sumer.and very mesra too so takde masalah la nak posing bagai..kalau nk tempah search je nama mereka. 🙂

Thankiu for reading. 🙂 If you don’t mind, please rate this post after reading. .