Happy 2015

Happy New Year Stranger,

As the second hand inches closer to the midnight mark and everyone's gathered together with their loved ones counting down in unison, do you recall where you were at?

Because I don't. That's right, yours truly did not count down the conventional way this New Years Eve. I was actually in the streets of Hong Kong's notorious bar area, Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). It may have been the most anticlimactic countdown because when I checked my phone, it was 12:04 am already and I was among the lost crowd and baton holding policemen, detouring in circles to get to some bar because someone's friend's uncle's cousin in law is there with a table. Ya know? Oh and to top it all off, I lost my bag which contained my phone and wallet. Great way to start 2015? Heck yes! But in all honesty, aside from the lose of possession, it was a great night.You hear me phone thief who's creeping on all my travel pictures and occasional selfies: your plot to ruin my night failed! I hope my phone's battery leaks and electrocutes your eardrum.

Onto a happier note. While I was phoneless (or socially unreachable) for the past couple of days, I took that alone time to plan out my 2015: including this year's resolutions and travel plans. Unlike last year, I can't have my "20 countries" goal again because...ain't nobody got time or money for that kind of travelling no more! So I've cut it down to 10 this year which is still no easy task but hey, goals are meant to be challenging! Now what do I have up my sleeve for 2015? What types of intriguing stories will you be able to read this year? Stay tuned for my Southeast Asia travels in May and a possible volunteer trip in June (all plans tentative as of now). But until then, enjoy the remaining 4 months of Hong Kong with me while I take you around on some proper trips and sightseeing :)

One more story; since this is the new year and all! The other day while I was out enjoying my brunch, I had a leftover croissant. Thing is, I'm cutting back on bread this year (another resolution) so I knew I wasn't about to eat it. When the waiter came to clear my plate, I looked at my pleasantly crispy croissant and thought what a waste it would be to have it thrown out when it's perfectly edible. Then I had an epiphany. Why not give the untouched food to someone who would appreciate it instead of wasting it? I've noticed that on most days, there's a homeless man begging at the exit of the MTR station closest to my house. Let's just say I think he appreciated the croissant more than I did.

A warning to future dining partners of mine: I may ask to pack up your untouched food.

Welcome to my Crib

Hi Stranger,

I'm coming at you from Kicking Horse Ski Resort, near Banff. Yes, you heard me right; I'm back in Canada! Shortest summary: annual winter family ski trip. Don't worry, I'll be back in the land of sui mai next week, but until then I'll be rolling in fluffy snow and eating sushi day in and day out!

Before I go on updating you on my long overdue update of my Hong Kong adventures, let's take a moment to appreciate the view I had while skiing this morning. Oh hot damn.

I went down a couple black runs with Eddy, felt pretty confident and somehow got dragged down a double black run. I had snow up to my thighs at some points. It kind of felt like I was gliding through a cloud of snow but it was utterly exhausting and now my legs feel like rubber bands: wobbly and weak. I guess it's a good thing today's the 5th and last night of the ski trip. Skiing during the day and eating like a sumo wrestler at night. It's been mighty glorious to say the least. Don't believe me? I think I may have eaten every kind of 2 & 4 legged animal I can name: pig, moose, deer, turkey, lamb, chicken, cow... leave me alone while I hibernate for the next 3 months, thanks.

A picture of our chalet (well, the one across the street but ours look identical). Stunning place. Only downside? My bed is on the loft on the top floor and my bathroom is 4 floors below me. With my impeccable small bladder and slippery socks, I've managed to "almost" fall down the architecturally pleasing yet deathly spirally staircase multiple times during my stay here. Fingers crossed I can last one more night slip free! 

Alright strangers, as promised from 2 months ago, here are the pictures of my place I'm currently residing at in Hong Kong! See? Two twin sized beds! Convo with the landlord when I walked into the studio:
Me: "Can I get rid of the extra bed?"
Mr. No: "No. It has to stay"
Me: "Can I move the furniture around then?"
Mr. No: "No. I don't think that's possible"
Me: "Wait. I'm not allowed to or you don't think I can do it?"
Mr. No: "There's no way you can move them. They're incredibly heavy"

Oh yeah?! Jet lagged Michelle will tell you what she can and cannot do. I ended up taking both beds apart and dragged them around until I was satisfied. I may have pulled my back muscle in the process but it was well worth it. In your face Mr. No!

TADA!!! All so I could take the bigger bed and move it to face the TV. Interior designer Michelle: 1. Mr. No: 0. My back pain: Irrelevant.

My mini kitchenette. There's a portable electric stove which I've brought out twice to make hot pot. The fridge is used to store wine (which I don't drink because I rarely have guests over and I can never justify drinking a bottle by myself). I've also never used the microwave yet. How do I survive? I eat a lot of fruits and also eat out way too often. Housewife material? I THINK SO!

My balcony. This is also the reason why Josh made me get the place. "Mimi you have to get this! Trust me! Trust!" So I did. This picture does not do it justice since I can't fit the other areas in this shot but you get the gist of it. BBQ Party any day now...

 

Did Someone Say Dance???

Hi Stranger,

I know I never finished blogging about my travels in Europe (you have no idea how many ongoing drafts I have about that), but I thought it would be nice to link you to a video I made recently about my time in Europe. Or...how I pranced around Europe. Without further ado...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25LMGhX6400 

Or 

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XODI2NDQ3Nzcy.html 
(since YouTube blocked my video in a lot of countries)





Before I went off to Rome earlier this year, I set myself a goal: to travel, to experience, and to laugh as much as possible. This 5 minute video is a little peep into my life as I show off my mad dancing skills through 16 countries in Europe during my 6 month exchange in Rome.

Prior to this, I've never used iMovie, nor have I attempted to make a video before. If someone as technologically incapable as me can do this (took me an hour just to find the video on the computer again), what's stopping you from making your dreams come true? I hope this video lightens up your day and inspires you to do do something that truly makes you HAPPY :)

P.S. Please don't mind my bare face and repetitive clothes. Ain't nobody got time to look glamourous when they're backpacking. And no, not all the cities I visited made the cut to be featured on this video 

1 Month Anniversary? Yawn.

Nei Hou Stranger,

Where do I begin. It's crazy how little have changed since my initial arrival into this bustling city. I still feel like a foreigner even though I've mastered the MTR system. For starters, I can never decide where to go for lunch because there's simply too many places to choose from. I have found a hipster wrap/salad joint called Mana! that reminds me of Wholefoods since the chalkboard styled menu is written in English, people speak my language of choice, and there's an emphasis on organic products and clean eating/juicing. Grilled veggies, kale and quinoa? YES PLEASE!!! I've had this monstrous beast 3x this week already. You could say that I am addicted.

  

I now despise siu mai. Calm down, I don't mean those delicious pork & shrimp filled delicacies you have at Yum Cha (see that? I'm learning!) but the ones you find at every street vendor. The 7 HKD ($1CAD) for 6 little balls of flour/mystery meat? that comes in the plastic containers. Example here:

(http://foodwejustlove.wordpress.com/tag/hong-kong-street-food/)

"If you don't like them then just don't buy them". *sigh of defeat* You see, after being in HK for a month, the only sentence I've mastered is "ngo yeo yat fen SIU MAI" (I want an order of siu mai). Since they're literally at every shop, when I get desperate and am lost at what to eat, I order what's easy for me, and that, for the nth time, has been.............yep. Laugh all you want and don't be surprised when I slowly begin to morph into one.

You would think HK is cheap but the pricing for food is relatively the same as Vancouver except the average person makes half as much so I'm not quite sure how everyone affords to eat out all the time. Well, I do have a theory. Since rent is "I'll sell all my organs and still can't afford you" high, mostly everyone who is single (regardless of your age) and working lives with their parents. Let's just say the usual "You're 35, single, and still living at home?" Howard Wolowitz deal wouldn't be much of a diss over here. Since there's no need to pay rent, the amount you saved on rent is going towards 1.food 2. more food 3. alcohol

So how have I been making use of my time in HK? I've made a little pie chart to explain (+5 awesome points?):

Very accurate and very self explanatory. Nothing too exciting or overwhelming: yawn yawn yawn. I can understand why people love this city but so far, it hasn't been love at first sight for me. Maybe I left my heart in Rome, maybe because I've lived in Asia before, it's nothing new to me or maybe I just haven't found a stable group of friends. Either way, it's been quite the nonchalant journey so far. 

Because the city never sleeps, I find myself wanting to run back to my room at times to get away from the crowd. And because they're doing construction work in my building (and at my office), I hear drilling and hammering constantly. It got so bad last weekend that I had to wear headphones and blast EDM to drone out the BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ sound going on the floor below me. I swear sometimes, I can feel my blood pressure rising. I never used to get migraines and now I get them randomly at night. Hong Kong: what are you doing to me?! I would like to pay for silence. $50/hour? Sold to the cranky, deaf and siu mai eating lady!

Lastly: I have tons of pictures on my phone but I cannot load them onto this computer so I've been putting off updating this blog. I know I promised pictures of my place on my last post but given the circumstances and my awesome pie chart above, forgive me!

Faster I Say!

Nei hou Stranger,

Guess who made it through the infamous Hong Kong rush hour MTR system and is currently sitting at her desk in downtown Hong Kong? Yes yes, it is indeed yours truly. I can't believe I'm here either. How did this all happen so fast? Just a few days ago I was sitting at my cubicle in downtown Vancouver and in the blink of an eye, I've transformed over to the other side of the world. I may be jet lagged and wheezing like a deflating balloon with a multiple needle punctures but hey, I made it.

My transition went so smoothly I don't understand why others were panicking for me. It definitely helped that I had someone who took care of every detail for me. My friend Josh awaited for my arrival at the gate, handed me my prepaid Octopus (transit) Card, took me to my apartment which he had found after visiting dozens of places, settled me in, went out to get my phone set up and got groceries. Then yesterday he took me on the MTR (metro) to my workplace so I wouldn't panic and get lost on my first day to work. AHMAZING?! Yeah I think so. He should be my new guardian angel.

But enough of my move, let's see some of the things I've noticed in my first 100 hours in Hong Kong:

1. No sign of a riot. My manager and I tried to scout it out the other night when we were around Central and Causeway Bay but couldn't find anything. Well there goes my chance to get on TV. I've only seen barricades that's blocking major streets making traffic unbearable if you're sitting in a cab, but nothing more.
2. Even though Occupy Central may have died down, people are still constantly talking about it. Are you yellow or blue? Which side will you take? Apparently this have caused a lot of Facebook unfriend-ing to occur in HK lately. Good thing I only wear black.
3. I feel like I'm walking around a fancier, more asianified version of Richmond. The crowd is similar with 90% Asians and the random Caucasians now and then. Only difference is that there's less pets around; there's barely enough room for people to walk on on the sidewalks let alone a hyper puppy.
4. MTR takes you everywhere you need to go. It's so efficiently fast it blows my mind. You're walking towards the train, glance up and find that the door closes 2 steps before you reached the door? No worries, another train will be pulling up in....30 seconds. WHA?! Rome, watch and learn please. This is how things should be done. 
5. During rush hour, people are civilized as they crowd into the train. No one's pushing or tugging at you. Even though it's packed with people, you don't feel overwhelmed like you would in Rome/Beijing because no one's even touching you and the A/C is blasting overhead.
6. White-Collars wear blue collars in HK. 95% of the working men in HK wear blue plaid collared shirts. It's actually kind of funny because they look like they all went shopping in the same department store. The other 5% are white and purple. I haven't see any other colours yet. It's like they're all in a preppy private high school again, forced to wear the exact same outfit. 
7. The escalators are twice as fast in the MTR. You can't just stroll onto it or else you'll lose your balance and fall like I did. You have to strategically pace yourself faster to get into the momentum of the escalator and when you get off, it puts pushes you to continue that speed in your walking pace. I'm sure this contributes to why everyone moves at a faster rate in the MTR.
8. Rush hour in the MTR reminds me of how ants travel in packs. There's a distinct format you follow and no one goes out of order. Everyone walks in the same pace (almost zombie like) and the sheer amount of people makes it quite a stunning sight to see. Left/right/straight/sharp turn: you don't need to think about any of that because you just have to follow the person standing in front of you.
9. There is food...everywhere!!! So much delicious food. How are people not fat here? It just doesn't make sense to me. There's at least one bakery shop every block. Why must you do this to me?! Why must you tempt me so?!?! 
10. On the topic of food. They have pomelos here: enough said.

The list could go on but let's end it with 10 for today. Next time I will upload pictures of my new place :)

Goodbye...Again?

Hi Stranger,

Where do I even start. Never would I have thought I would be leaving Vancouver this soon again. It feels as if I literally just came back 2 weeks ago, but somehow, it's been 2 months. My mind is so incredibly calm right now it's actually making me feel out of place. When I was preparing to leave for Rome, I was up all night fearing for my flight. I didn't know anyone in that foreign country; let alone the language. I think my travels around Europe have toughened me up nicely. My flight is in exactly 12 hours from now and I feel...no excitement, no fear, no, well...anything. I'm not sure if it's my cold preventing my nervous system from functioning properly but either way, I feel...nothing.

My life the past month has been hectic to say the least. I used to be a hermit that went to classes then hid back in my room the second it was over. Social life? What's that? Ever heard of movies online? But this past month has been quite the change for me. Making the effort to go out everyday with friends for meals, outdoor activities and casual drinking have turned me into a little social butterfly. I've established several groups of friends and it sucks to leave them when I just got to know them so well. Oh well, what can you do. Pack up the sentimental feelings and head off to my next big adventure :)

Being the last minute person that I am, I found housing yesterday. Yes, I got it 2 days before leaving, but you try finding a studio in bustling Hong Kong where people live in bathroom sized holes and pay an outrageous amount of money for it. And I know I know, there's a protest going on over there right now. I'm not worried at all; in fact, I'm pretty sure I'm going to check it out first hand in a couple of days after I settle down. Don't worry stranger, I will keep you updated along the way. If I don't, you can be sure you'll find me on TV! But really, now that I'll be by myself again in a new territory, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to blog again.

Exciting things coming soon (or so I hope)...

A Little Update

Hello Stranger,

It's been a while. A month to be exact. So what have I been up to lately? What could I possibly be doing that is more important than updating you? A little something I like to call "family time". To start off, I went off camping in Banff for a week, sleeping in a tent filled with individuals who apparently can't control their respiratory structures from vibrating. How is it that everyone else in my family snores? "But Michelle, maybe you do, it's not like you can tell when you're asleep." Now now, young stranger, let me tell you; I've been around long enough and have been told on multiple accounts that when I sleep, you can hardly even hear me breathe (inappropriate jokes not applicable here :) ). Not impressed? Just wait until you find yourself sleeping beside a blaring speaker phone that ceases to stop. Then you'll appreciate rarities such as myself. ;)

It's been some time since you've seen pictures, so let me show you the beauty of Banff, Canada. Makes me wonder why I insisted on travelling halfway across the world when my own country offers this. Mandatory tourist picture at Lake Lousie. It's inevitable; don't fight it. And come on, why would you?

Me on the ice glacial field with my best buddy of the trip, Malibu. Did I almost fall on the ice being dragged by him on our "walk"? Only every other step of the way. I need to start lifting. I knew using water bottles as weights had its downfalls, haha. But it's times like this that makes me want to settle down in a calming neighbourhood like Yaletown and live in a chic beige and white colour based studio apartment with my beloved canine who is obviously potty trained and cleans after himself. Maybe a little far fetched but hey, a girl can dream. 

Look at this! That reflection in the lake. Phew, what a sight. This was taken right before dusk was settling in, and according to the parents, this is incomparable to how it was in the early morning. "I've never seen anything like it in my life before"-Mama. I can't put in my two cents because I was fast asleep in the back seat at that hour, daydreaming about my perfect life in Yaletown. 

So what did I exactly do during my time on this camping trip? A lot of sleeping in the car, chatting at the camp fire, eating of dumplings, and sightseeing. Eddy (my brother) and I shared a lot of good laughs over the most outrageous topics and it made me realize happiness can truly come from the simplest things. Towards the end of the trip, I was itching to get home to take an unnecessarily long hot shower and sleep on my therapeutic memory foam bed.

I don't think I've ever mention my other family member in my blog, but I have a younger sister, Kelly, who you may call mini Michelle because she looks identical to me when I was her age. Creepy? Very. You try watching a younger version of yourself growing up. A little Benjamin Button-esqe if you ask me. Anywho, the reason I brought up mini Michelle is that last week, she managed to break her arm. This is of no surprise to anyone in the family because the term "resting" and "sitting still" does not exist in her world. Alright, you have to admit though, this is kind of cute. 

Left: mini Michelle at 3 years old when she broke her right arm jumping off the bed onto an exercise ball.

Right: last week when she broke her left arm doing a cartwheel.

Bravo mini Michelle, Bravo!

But honestly, aside from the usual catching up with friends which has been delightful to say the least, I've been missing Rome; a lot. It's usual for girls to get all sappy and emotional about small things (yes yes, blame it on the hormones) but I'd like to think I rarely do. Why get caught up in the past when you should be living the moment? However, in this case, it's easier said than done, especially when I just had the best 6 months of my life in Rome. Leaving behind my Italian family, my exchange friends, and my Roman home was one of the most heartbreaking moments. I was driving one day and a song that I heard regularly in Rome came on and I almost burst into tears. Am I having a emotional breakdown? What's going on here? Am I a girl or something? Pathetic.

What's helping me through this transition is knowing that my next adventure is just around the corner :) What am I referring to? This goes back two months ago when I was travelling in Croatia. I was working on my resume one night and saw a marketing Co-op opportunity that triggered a tiny light bulb in my head. Why? Oh I don't know, maybe because the job was based in Hong Kong!!! I robotically sent in my resume and cover letter, with the slightest sign of hope because I knew I lacked one of the biggest advantages for this job: the ability to speak Cantonese. Not knowing how it all happened, two interviews later and I was offered the position. Yeeeeeee!!! Training starts next week and in October, they'll be sending me to Hong Kong for 7 months. I may also be setting a record for taking the longest time to obtain a bachelor's degree. I had to send in an appeal letter to extend my graduation; that's how rare I am. Two exchanges, two years worth of co-op work terms and a double major...is there anything else I can do to extend my stay???

Since I'm leaving soon again, it's been nice relaxing at home. I read on the lawn, bake muffins, do Kelly's hair, memorizee SAT vocabs with Eddy and watch Friends (classic). Last week I was really caught up in a thriller (borderline horror, at least in my world) novel called "Syndrome E". Let's just say the back of my neck hair was on full alert and I was bundled up in my blankets all day long. I don't want to spoil the book but essentially, it's about a mysterious film that was discovered with subliminal messages and hidden meanings in it that causes the viewer to feel uneasy, disgusted and disturbed. Picture a more neurosciency and less horror version of "The Ring" (or not because I've actually never seen the movie). The first 2/3 of the book is so intense I resisted putting it down even though I physically couldn't handle the disturbing and highly graphical scenes. I would recommend the book but the last 1/3 is a little flat and I felt as if I had to finish it just to end it. Either way, it felt pervertedly refreshing to have a book control my emotions like that. 

Stay tuned as I will continue to blog while I prepare my big leave for Hong Kong!

Arrivederci Roma

Ciao Stranger,

I know, it's been a while, did you miss me? I'm sorry, that's a rhetorical question, of course you did. :)
I won't apologize for my lack of updates; I've been a busy traveller exploring the world. Before I forget, I have some wonderful news. Remember that New Year's Resolution I told you about back in the beginning of the year? Yep, I managed to accomplish it. 20 countries this year. Not too shabby eh? (proof that I'm Canadian) I think I deserve a pat on the back for that.

It's frightening to think I've been in Rome for 6 months already. As cliché as it sounds; where did all the time go?! It feels like just yesterday when I was mentally preparing myself for this exchange, my emotions filled with anxiety and trepidation. But I can say that I'm going back home a changed women (if not mentally then at least I'm a few shades darker). While going out for a gelato with my lovely room mate Mauro earlier today, he asked me what I will miss the most about Rome. I realized my love for the city when my list seemed to go on forever. Here are a few examples:

• You can get mouth watering gelato any time of the day; rain or shine. They also exist at every corner.
• Don't know where to pre-drink? Pick the closest plaza or a historical monument, like the Pantheon.
• Bored after clubbing at night? Wander around the centre and you're bound to find the Colosseum, the Forums or the Trevi Fountain.
• Free water fountain that's accessible every other block.
• Sparkling water, because they're the same price as natural water.
• Random guys hollering at me as I walk down the street, who's going to tell me I look beautiful now?!
• Eating pasta and pizza every fricken day.
• Awesome weather. Vancouver...nice try.
• Being able to cross the street whenever I feel like it. Car coming? No problem, they won't hit me: I have ninja skills.
• Free buses. I'm proud to say I've never purchased/stamped one bus ticket. Nor have I been caught. (not including the time on the train)
• CHEAP wine. My favourite sparking red wine is 1.5 euros. Beat that.

What I won't miss:

• Monstrous mosquitoes who seems to have taken a liking to me. 
• Bureaucracy system: enough said.
• How everything is closed on Sunday. Oh and from 12-3pm everyday. Get's me every time. 
• Waiting for the bus. If you're lucky it will come in 10 minutes. otherwise be prepared to wait up to an hour for it. Didn't know they were on strike today? Oops, sorry!

Above all else, I will miss the people here. 

1. My room mates Ascenzo, Mauro, Paolo, and Salvo (aka. Italian family). Thank you for sitting me down and forcing me to learn Italian (even if it only lasted a week before they gave up on me). Mi piace il aspirapolvere! Without them, I wouldn't feel so attached to Rome, like leaving home. From watching football, preparing dinner, to prank calling and drinking together, it's never been a dull moment. And hey, it only took me 4/5 months to realize where the toilet paper stash is, how to open both my shutter doors, that the bidet isn't used as a urinal site for men, and how to open a bottle of wine. 
2. My Erasmus friends. Just thinking about them makes me tear up, I miss each and one of them already. They are truly the most amazing group of people I've ever met. It's magical how people from different backgrounds/culture/origins can come together so seamlessly. Who cares about high school reunions? I think it's time someone organizes a LUISS Erasmus reunion. 
3. Everyone I travelled/stayed with. Without them I probably would not have accomplished my NY resolution so fast. Each city has enlightened me in some way; know that you were there and made that possible for me. :)

As much as I don't want to leave this sensational city, I know my time has come to say my farewells. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back for another Erasmus! Until next time...

Arrivederci Roma

Time Out.

Ciao Stranger,

I have found myself in quite a pickle. As much as I want to update you on my daily adventures, I simply no longer have the time to spend 4-5 hours on each blog, editing and revising each sentence. In fact, with all the travelling, I barely get 5 hours of sleep each night anymore. I've been non-stop travelling and when I do get back to Rome for a breather, it's mainly laundry service and catching up with my Erasmus friends. As sad as this may be, I think I might need to temporarily stop my blogs for the next little while. Don't worry though, once I have the time (probably when I'm back in Vancouver), I will make up all the missed stories. Until then, I need to make the most of my last 1.5 months in Europe and not have to worry about how terribly behind I am on keeping this blog up to date.

Until then...

Barcelona: I'm Back Again!

Hola Stranger,

Before I get on with unloading everything I can remember about my time in Barcelona, let me first get something off my chest. I am done my final exams!!! (That is, if I didn't fail anything). Finals in Italy work on a completely different system. Instead of a normal written exam, every course has a mandatory oral exam and sometimes an additional written one as well. Each course has 3 different exam periods, one a week after classes finish (right now), one in the middle/end of June, and once in late July. If you fail your exam the first time in May, you can do it again in June, and then again in July. Still didn't pass? Don't worry, you have more chances next term. I'm sorry Italy but this is perhaps the worst system I've ever seen. Students are less motivated to study the first time around because they know they can retake the exam a month later. This has created a phenomenon where Italian students become grade obsessed, taking exams over and over again in hopes of getting a better mark. And what is this oral exam I speak of? Essentially you sit in a room with all of your classmates, and the professor calls you up one by one. The professor could ask you one or a few questions, and grades you on your answer.

Roomie Paolo's story: 

He gets perfect on the written exam and goes in for the oral feeling confident. The professor asks a question.

Paolo "I'm sorry, I really don't know this one, could you ask me something else? Anything else."

Professor "Nope, see you next month"

Another example: My Erasmus friend Selman waited 6 hours in the classroom for his oral exam. From 3-9 pm, he sat there impatiently waiting for his turn and when his name was called, the janitor came in and kicked everyone out because the school was closing. He had to go back the next week to do it. Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is messed up. At least I'm done and didn't have to suffer like the rest of them. *phew*

April 19, Saturday

Aside from Abriel, the rest of us had already been to Barcelona but were all just as anxious to revisit the city. The first time I had been there, it was during the cruise and one day was simply not enough. With the bus guided tour, I had a general idea of the city layout which made navigation just slightly easier. Thanks to GoogleMaps, asking random strangers and walking around in circles, we found the airbnb apartment at the predetermined time. The owner wasn't there to greet us; apparently he thought we were arriving at 2 am. The heck?! We had to wait 2 hours for him to clean the apartment. Right then, so we killed time at a nearby restaurant, mainly to steal their internet. It was run by a Chinese family so we showed our support by ordering some food as well. 5 euros and you get a massive plate full of greasy goodness. The Chinese know how it's done. Carl was travelling by himself in Barcelona and met up with us while we waited for the airbnb owner to clean the apartment. Reunited for the 3rd time in Europe. Not bad at all :)

After getting a ton of groceries, the 5 of us came back to the apartment so that chef Sean can do his thing. He made his signature short rib tomato soup. There was no ladle so we used a mug to scoop the soup. What a group of talented and high class individuals. Don't judge.

Everyone always tells me about the phenomenal night life in Barcelona so I obviously couldn't pass out the chance to go and experience it for myself. Between the five of us, we bought five bottles of wine. And in case you have difficulty doing the math, that's a bottle each. Yeah, it was bound to be a good night from there on. Since the Singaporeans were also in Barcelona, we all meet up at Razzmatazz, a local favourite with its massive dance floors. It used to be a warehouse but now they've converted the three floors into a maze of a club with a terrace on the top and numerous smaller hidden rooms with different music selections. Nothing bad to say about the place aside from their 17 euro entrance fee. 

April 20, Sunday

I was dead the next morning. But realizing that we had to make the most of our time in Barcelona, we buckled down and went to the center in search of the afternoon walking tour. I don't have too many pictures from that tour because I don't remember much of it. My head was still spinning and I did not pay attention to anything the guide was saying. As far as I was aware of, she was talking complete gibberish. Possibly the only thing I learned was that this sketch was drawn by Picasso on a napkin. The why and where I can't tell you because I don't remember...I was proud of myself for managing to follow the crowd.

After the tour the 9 of us went out to a restaurant for some small tapas. The waiter was a complete jerk who just wanted to take advantage of some tourists and rip us off along the way. He messed up our order countless times. Sean's octopus dish was an outrageous 40 euros on its own. He has absolute no luck in ordering food; I think he may be cursed. The food was mediocre, definitely doesn't add up to its exuberant price tag.

What's better than a stroll in the park after eating an expensive meal? We headed to the Parc de la Ciutadella, which was a 5 min walk from the restaurant. The place was packed with friends, children and couples hanging out on the grass, benches, boats and strolling around. Too cute, too cute. Perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Parks get guaranteed positive points if they have water fountains. I don't know what it is about them, but it just adds so much elegance to the environment. This scene right here reminds me of something out of Tivoli, the city near Rome which I absolutely adore. There's even a zoo inside the park but even without paying a penny, you'll find different species of birds waddling around acting like they own the place.

Sean was thinking about cooking dinner again but we were exhausted from a day of walking so we just went to our new favourite restaurant; the Chinese place down the street from our apartment. The fish tastes exactly the same as Mama Qi's: I approve.

While Kenneth was out for a run, he discovered the Castle of Montjuic, currently an art exhibition house that has a great view on top of a hill. Down a series of steps you'll find the Magic Fountain, a glorious water fountain that performs along with the music. He was astounded and ran back to get all of us. I have to say, it was the best water fountain show I've ever seen in my life. I'm not descriptive enough to explain how it went but really, if you're ever in Barcelona, go watch it. You get a free show and an amazing night view. Michelle date approved.

 April 21, Monday

Because we loved the fountain show and the castle so much, we went there again during the daytime. A completely different vibe but just as good. I can't believe we lived a 7 minute walk away from this place. The last time I was in Barcelona, we were on the tour bus and I remember we didn't get off at this stop in time and I had told myself "next time, I must come here". Mission accomplished. Look at the picture, how can you not want to go there?

With no concrete plans for the day, we decided to head to La Ramba and walk around a bit. Most of the shops were closed since it was a holiday so it was just a sea of tourists, strolling in circles not knowing where to go. The guys found a 12 euro buffet for lunch. What attracted them? The rows of meat spinning on the racks. Buffets aren't my cup of tea but when you're travelling with 3 guys, you become one of them. The boys seemed to have fully enjoyed themselves with the endless plates of meat so I guess it's money well spent.

With our bellies full, it was time to get some exercise and we proceeded to walk to La Sagrada Familia, my all time favourite church in Europe so far (yes, more than the countless ones I've been to in Rome). I don't know if it's the breathtaking height or its unique structural design but I can't seem to stop staring at it with awe. On the backside there's a dinky little cafe stand outside and we sat there for a bit, enjoying the view. One day I'll go and admire you from the inside as well. Just you wait.

I think we may have walked all over Barcelona this day, and that's no easy task. Not wanting to take the metro, we headed to the beach. No joke, after that day, I wore out my shoes. Exhausted from a whole day of walking, we found a bar right on the board walk and enjoyed ourselves with some tea and biscuit. How British of us. Since it was our last night together, we took it easy by drinking some wine and playing more games. Thank goodness for Abriel, you really have no dull moment with him around. Best story teller ever.

April 22, Tuesday

After almost two weeks of travelling, it was finally time for me to head home. Abriel and Kenneth left early in the morning as they continued onto their next destination. Sean wanted to see the inside of Sagrada Familia while I just wanted to relax and do some last minute shopping. While I was dragging my luggage into the 3rd Zara of the day, I ran into the Singaporeans who were also shopping; what are the chances! We all went for lunch together and little did I know they were all a bunch of passionate foodies. We went to a French infused Spanish tapas restaurant, it's very festive inside with helpful servers that will cater to your endless questions.

The food may look simple but aye carumba was it delicious! Savouring every bite really applies in this case. You know the food is top notch when you start drooling looking back at the pictures. Take me back!!! Grilled brie on toast with jam, nomnomnom!!! One of the best dishes I've had in Europe so far and you don't get a hefty bill either. I paid 5 euros and tried numerous dishes. You simply can't beat it. A great way to end my time in Barcelona.

I didn't get home until 1 am because I may or may not have gone to the police station in Rome. Long boring story which I won't get into but do not worry, I did not get hurt. Exhausted from travelling, I crawled into my cozy bed and slept like a baby, ready to go to school the next day.